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Adapting to new technologies - PDA and wireless. Mary Peterson RAH/IMVS Library mary.peterson@imvs.sa.gov.au. Outline. Background - setting the scene New technologies Implications for libraries. Background. Institute of Medical & Veterinary Science
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Adapting to new technologies -PDA and wireless Mary Peterson RAH/IMVS Library mary.peterson@imvs.sa.gov.au
Outline • Background - setting the scene • New technologies • Implications for libraries
Background • Institute of Medical & Veterinary Science • Pathology laboratory & research institute • http://www.imvs.sa.gov.au • Royal Adelaide Hospital • Teaching hospital affiliated with University of Adelaide • http://www.rah.sa.gov.au/homepage.htm
Our users: • Clinicians (doctors, nurses, allied health) • Researchers (academics, laboratory scientists) • Students on clinical placement • Diagnostic laboratory staff statewide
Types of question • Clinical - urgent / immediate • Research • Management/ financial/ business • Political
Types of information • Quick look-up • point of care • ward / office • library • Literature search • office • library • from home • Journal article • Book
Evidence-based practice • Cochrane Collaboration • www.cochrane.org/ • Netting the Evidence • http://www.shef.ac.uk/~scharr/ir/netting/ • www.imvs.sa.gov.au/library/EBM.html • May become mandatory in Australia
New technologies: • Laptops • Tablets • Hand-held devices (PDAs) • Wireless
Tablet photo Tablet used in wireless trial
iPAQ (Compaq / HP)
Why PDAs? • Easy to use • Small and portable • Wireless network connection possible • Downloads possible
What are they used for? • Diary • Address book • Email (live or synchronised) • e-book reader • Multi-media • Wireless connections • Phone
Where can they be used? • Library • Ward office / nurses’ station • Patient’s bedside • Operating theatres (?) • Workshops • Engineering plants • Stores
Disadvantages of PDAs: • Mulitple operating systems (Palm / PC) • Devices easy to steal • Culture change requires re-training • Resistance to change • Cost of implementation (BYO) • Slow connect times for wireless (56Kb/sec) • Security problems for data
Implications for libraries: • Where does the library fit in? • Which products suitable for use with PDAs? • Does this mean extra work? • (Sorry - yes!)
Our products: • Drug databases *** • Prescribing aids *** • Dictionaries *** • Textbooks ** • Databases (Cochrane, Medline)* • Full-text linked to above • Individual journal subscription
Wireless or download? • Textbooks (depends on size) • Drug databases – currency • Location • Suitable format / screen display for chosen device
What’s been happening: • Care Connect & OACIS - Sth Aust government hospitals • 4 years’ worth of records • 2 million patients • Mobile Medic – wireless iPaqs with internet • Pilot in 4 renal units
Recharging / re-imaging
Results so far: • Clinicians want • Speed • Flexibility • Favorite products: • Quick look-up tools • Journal of Family Practice 2001 Nov; 50(11): 960-5
Role of the library: • Advice on content (collection development) • beware of free stuff from the internet! • Website – small-screen version • Training • Support information e.g. webpage on PDAs • http://www.imvs.sa.gov.au/library/pdainfo.html • http://educ.ahsl.arizona.edu/pda/index.htm • www.library.ualberta.ca/subject/pdas • User group
What to do next? • Prepare for wireless! • Optimise websites (graphics) • Links point to PDA URL • Become familiar with the devices • Become familiar with how they’re used • Be prepared to buy your own
Our conclusions: • Palm or Windows? • Both - maybe even more • Wireless vs. download: • Place for both - (Depends on setting) • Don’t panic! • They’re just another way of delivering information
Adapting to new technologies -PDA and wireless Mary Peterson RAH/IMVS Library mary.peterson@imvs.sa.gov.au