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Adapting to new technologies: wireless and PDAs. Mary Peterson Royal Adelaide Hospital / Institute of Medical & Veterinary Science Adelaide, Australia mary.peterson@imvs.sa.gov.au. Background. Institute of Medical & Veterinary Science Pathology laboratory & research institute
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Adapting to new technologies: wireless and PDAs Mary Peterson Royal Adelaide Hospital / Institute of Medical & Veterinary Science Adelaide, Australia mary.peterson@imvs.sa.gov.au
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/ • www.imvs.sa.gov.au/library/EBM.html • May become mandatory in Australia
The devices: • Wireless laptop connections • Tablets • Hand-held devices (PDAs)
Tablet photo Tablet used in first wireless trial
Why PDAs? • Easy to use • Small and portable • Wireless network connection possible • Downloads possible
Disadvantages of PDAs: • Slow connect times for wireless • Security problems for data • Devices easy to steal • Culture change requires re-training • Resistance to change • Cost of implementation
Where can they be used? • Library • Ward office / nurses’ station • Patient’s bedside • Operating theatres (?)
Other fields: • Workshops • Engineering plants • Surveying
Our questions: • Where does the library fit in? • Which products suitable for use with PDAs?
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 we’re doing • 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
We’re replacing this …
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) • Website – small-screen version • Training • Support information e.g. webpage on PDAs • John W. Scott Health SciencesLibrary at the University of Alberta: • www.library.ualberta.ca/subject/pdas
Our conclusions: • Wireless vs. download: • Place for both - (Depends on setting) • Optimize screen display • Links point to PDA URL • Become familiar with the interface
Adapting to new technologies: wireless and PDAs Mary Peterson Royal Adelaide Hospital / Institute of Medical & Veterinary Science Adelaide, Australia mary.peterson@imvs.sa.gov.au