Personal Digital Assistants

Presented By:Becky Pratt

Cathy LambertonTaryn Emmett

Objectives

• Describe trend (Personal Digital Assistants).• Describe and evaluate the hardware and

software with this trend.• Describe and evaluate the information system

used with this trend.• Assess the role and function of the nurse

informaticist when working with this trend.• Examine related legal/ethical issues.

Description

• Personal Digital Assistant (PDA)• A small handheld notebook computer • Used for:– Storing information

AddressesCalendarsTaking notes

(McGonigle & Mastrian, 2009)

The PDA

Who uses PDA’s?

• Nurses• Doctors• Physician Assistants• Students • Nurse Practitioners

Functions

• Store • Access• Document• Organize information

Hardware• Refers to actual physical body of computer and components • Outer Protection

– Outer Plastic/ Metal case – Embedded LCD screen

• Central Processing Unit – “ the brain”

• Random Access Memory ( RAM)– Temporary storage system – Main memory

• Read-Only Memory (ROM)– Stores saved data– Remains intact when shut down

(McGonigle & Mastrian, 2009)

Software

• Productivity Software:– Used to Create :

• Spreadsheets • Database• Word Processing• To-Do lists

• Communication Software : – Used to:

• Dialogue • Share • Network

(McGonigle & Mastrian, 2009)

Type of Medical Software Available for PDA’s

• Nurse’s Pocket Drug Guide – Quick access references – Content Included:

• Drug Interactions• Laboratory Findings• Mechanisms of Action• Common Side Effects• Dosing Formulations

• Just the Facts Emergency Medicine– Used as a clinical refresher– Provide information on:

• Pain management • New treatments

– Comprehensive review of :• Epidemiology • Pathophysiology• Medical diagnoses

(netdoc.com,2008)

Personal Digital Assistance

Usability

• Programs effective and efficient– Even the novice user

• Ease of learning application• Ease of using application• Speed of task completion

(Staggers & Nelson, 2008)

PDA

• Integrates with a Clinical Information System.– Combines electronic and mechanical components – Enables exceptional performance– Uses Application software to :• Control• Monitor• Operate via web browser

(3M,2008)

PDA (cont.)

• Uses methods to integrate clinical information: – Provides decision support for evidence-based

practice

(Bakken,S., Currie,L., Lee,N., Roberts, W.D., Collins,S., & Cimno , J.,2008).

3M Clinical Information System

• International leader in clinical information management

• The Purpose:– “Right information in the right place at the right

time.” Nancy Larson, 3M Business Unit Director

• Interfaces with legacy systems (3M, 2001)

3M Summary

The system works to integrate multiple systems in the health care field. Assists with documentation, reference and education to name a few.

Disadvantages

• Cost• Can be lost , stolen, or broke• Security issues• Size• Time consuming• Easily breakable

Advantages

• Small size: pocket friendly• Easily portable• Light weight• Battery operated• Wireless capability (Wi-Fi)• Backlighting for reading in low light areas

(Carmack,C. & Freudenrich, C.,2008).

Ethical/ Legal Issue

• Most concerning issue would be violation of HIPPA!

• In the cases of lost or stolen PDAs private information could be accessed

Competencies

• Learning proper use of the PDA• Maintain function with routine maintenance• Able to utilize multiple functions • Obtaining knowledge through advanced

training.

Responsibility

• Noting only necessary information• Maintain proper Hippa compliance• Keep in secure place when not in use• Assist in educating coworkers, creating

continuity.

The PDA Summary

The PDA can be a very useful and valuable tool in the healthcare profession. Beneficial in:

• Patient Survey• Patient monitoring• Healthcare education– Quizzes, reference material, communication

References • 3M. (2001,April 25). 3M health information systems selects MckessonHBO's clinical reference

systems for patient education content. Retrieved October 13, 2008, from GALE CENGAGE Learning database.

• 3M. (2008). 3M US: Technologies. Retrieved October 13, 2008,from http://solutions9.3m.com/wps/portal/3M/en_US/3M-Technologies/ Home.

• Bakken,S., Currie,L., Lee,N., Roberts, W.D., Collins,S., & Cimno , J. (June 2008).Integrating evidence into clinical information systems for nursing decision support. International journal of medical informatics. 77, 413-420. Retrieved on October 13,2008, from ScienceDirect database.

• Carmack,C. & Freudenrich, C. (2008). How PDA's work . Retrieved September 29, 2008, from Howstuffworks Web site: http://communication.howstuffworks.com/pda3.htm.

• McGonigle,D. & Mastrian, K. (2009). Nursing informatics and the foundation of knowledge. Sudbury,MA: Jones and Bartlett .

• netdoc.com.(2008). Medical software. Retrieved October 15, 2008, Web site: http://www.netdoc.com/medical-software/