2.  Explain what the iPad actually is  Show the capabilities of the technology (hardware and software)  Evaluate the usability of this trend  Identify strengths and weaknesses  Explore any ethical/legal issues  Show the links between the trend and nursing informatics

3.  A light-weight portable electronic notepad/tablet  9.56”HX 7.47”L X 0.5”W  1.5 – 1.6 lbs (depending on model)  9.7 inch (diagonal) LED backlit Multi- Touch display  Wi-Fi and 3G capable

4.  16, 32, or 64 GB flash drive  1 GHz Apple A4 custom-designed “system-on-a-chip”  TV and Video capable  Built-in 25 watt-hour rechargeable lithium battery  Built-in speakers and microphone

5.  Being billed as having Apps that can “Revolutionize Healthcare” (25+)  Human Body 3D Anatomy: uses 3D animations for different systems of body  iAnatomy: View cross sections of body with actual CT scans  Medscape: (free) clinically relevant, accurate and up-to-date information

6.  Taber’s Medical Dictionary: provides photos, care statements, and 60,000+ terms ($49.95)  Epocrates: (free) drug references and interactions  Diagnosaurus DDx: perform diagnosis at point of care, info on diseases and conditions  AirStrip OB: (free) monitor a baby’s symptoms remotely. Used in tandem with patient

7.  For documentation – a more usable system would have provisions for both team-based and individual computer interactions  Would use interdisciplinary mechanisms for personnel to cover each other’s patients - Support for communications between disciplines

8. Well designed systems: 1. Can allow for correct data entry 2. Display and interpretation 3. Contribute to sound clinical decision making 4. Potentially prevent errors

9.  Ergonomics: 1. The General design is compact and lightweight 2. Related tools and equipment are similar in size 3. The LED screen is comfortable for eyes over long periods of time 4. Conveniently portable and can be transported easily in emergency situations

10.  The compact, lightweight, portable design makes it easy for nurses to chart anywhere, any time  The screen is large enough to see what you are charting easily  Allows you to prioritize patient care  Integrates cell phone and computer applications

11.  Saves time as you can pull up a patients MAR and simultaneously look up a med (without having to get to a computer or pull out your Palm)  Multiple Apps available specifically geared to Health Care, many of which are inexpensive or free

12.  High Initial Monetary Investment  Learning Curve by Users (time spent to educate on use)  New Technology always has bugs that need worked out over time  Lightweight and portable design makes it easy for non-healthcare personnel to walk away with it  Cannot multi-task simultaneous Apps

13.  Design makes it easy for someone to take the iPad and personal healthcare information on it  Copyright infringement  Digital Piracy

14.  Users must be trained on how to operate the iPad itself  Must demonstrate competency in: 1. Accessing patient information 2. Electronic health care record 3. Associated apps for their clinical area

15.  The Informatics Nurse Specialist must be an expert in: 1. Using the iPad 2. Teaching others to use it 3. Developing the associated competencies 4. Being able to troubleshoot problems with the trend 5. Develop a plan for integration of the trend into the organization and clinical practice

16.  The iPad can be a very beneficial development in technology  Has specific elements which lends itself well to the health care environment  Although a steep initial investment, the iPad can potentially pay for itself over time  Making a step in the right direction for promoting technology development in health care