By some estimates, about 75% of U.S. physicians now own an iPhone or an iPad. Canadian physicians, who have until recently been heavy Blackberry users, are rapidly switching to this new platform. Innovators like the Ottawa Hospital, have purchased iPads and iPhones for all their nurses, residents and physicians, and have invested in programming personnel to produce apps that make it possible to view all types of patient information at the bedside.
While other mobile devices and smartphones are out there, the number of useful applications available for Apple devices is much greater, and creators of highly regarded health content such as UpToDate are investing their energies in developing apps for the App Store
If you have an iPad or iPhone and are wondering what types of apps are available to assist you with patient care, we have an updated handout that provides detailed information on some of the most useful apps available. The handout is available here:
Not all apps are alike. In fact, some are not really apps but rather mobile-enhanced versions of websites and databases. The Library subscribes to many great resources that offer mobile friendly access. Our handout details how you can link to the library subscriptions, great apps in the App Store, and mobile friendly websites.
If you are interested in learning more about apps, visit the Library, or arrange for a training seminar with us. We have a digital "petting zoo" of 25 iPads that we can use to deliver a hands-on session to any group. The session provides information on mobile devices, outlines problems and limitations, and gives you a chance to try out some useful point of care tools, drug references, medical calculators, and patient/personal health resources.
To arrange a session, contact Tania Gottschalk at tania_gottschalk@umanitoba.ca or 789-3365.
Contributed by Tania Gottschalk, Education Services Librarian, Neil John Maclean Health Sciences Library
