Tablets, Other Mobile Devices to Become More Evident in Hospitals

For the 31st consecutive year, The University of Alabama’s Office of Media Relations offers predictions from faculty experts for the coming year.

iPads aren’t just on little Bobby and Susie’s list – medical workers also have an iPad or other tablet device at the top of their holiday gift-wish list.

Dr. Heather D. Carter-Templeton, in The University of Alabama Capstone College of Nursing, says there will be a surge in the use of tablets and mobile devices in the hospital and community health clinical settings in 2012.

“Recent studies have found rapid growth in the use of mobile technology among health-care professionals, such as physicians and nurses,” she explains. “They’re small, easily portable and can carry a tremendous amount of evidence-based information accessible at the point-of-care.”

While studies show that mobile devices can result in increased nursing efficiency, more accurate documentation, and increased satisfaction of nurses and patients, the design of health-care facilities and nursing unit configurations can place limits on the types of devices that can be used.

“The type of work, the physical space of the nursing unit and who will be using the devices needs to be considered when planning for the use of mobile technology within the clinical setting,” Carter-Templeton says.