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Appl Clin Inform 2018; 09(03): 588-594
DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1667121
Research Article
Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Going Mobile: Resident Physicians' Assessment of the Impact of Tablet Computers on Clinical Tasks, Job Satisfaction, and Quality of Care

Megan Sweeney
1   Department of Quality Improvement and Patient Safety, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
,
Kaavya Paruchuri
2   Division of Cardiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
,
Saul N. Weingart
1   Department of Quality Improvement and Patient Safety, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

22 February 2018

06 June 2018

Publication Date:
08 August 2018 (online)

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Abstract

Background There are few published studies of the use of portable or handheld computers in health care, but these devices have the potential to transform multiple aspects of clinical teaching and practice.

Objective This article assesses resident physicians' perceptions and experiences with tablet computers before and after the introduction of these devices.

Methods We surveyed 49 resident physicians from 8 neurology, surgery, and internal medicine clinical services before and after the introduction of tablet computers at a 415-bed Boston teaching hospital. The surveys queried respondents about their assessment of tablet computers, including the perceived impact of tablets on clinical tasks, job satisfaction, time spent at work, and quality of patient care.

Results Respondents reported that it was easier (73%) and faster (70%) to use a tablet computer than to search for an available desktop. Tablets were useful for reviewing data, writing notes, and entering orders. Respondents indicated that tablet computers increased their job satisfaction (84%), reduced the amount of time spent in the hospital (51%), and improved the quality of care (65%).

Conclusion The introduction of tablet computers enhanced resident physicians' perceptions of efficiency, effectiveness, and job satisfaction. Investments in this technology are warranted.

Keywords

tablet computers - interns and residents - information technology - health care informatics

Protection of Human and Animal Subjects

The hospital institutional review board (IRB) reviewed this project in advance and determined that it was a quality improvement and educational project exempt from IRB review and from applicable federal regulations governing human research.


Supplementary Material

 

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