Handheld computers in critical care

Background Computing technology has the potential to improve health care ma nagement but is often underutilized. Handheld computers are versatile and r elatively inexpensive, bringing the benefits of computers to the bedside. W e evaluated the role of this technology for managing patient data and acces sing medical reference information, in an academic intensive-care unit (ICU ). Methods Palm III series handheld devices were given to the ICU team, each i nstalled with medical reference information, schedules, and contact numbers . Users underwent a 1-hour training session introducing the hardware and so ftware. Various patient data management applications were assessed during t he study period. Qualitative assessment of the benefits, drawbacks, and sug gestions was performed by an independent company, using focus groups. An ob jective comparison between a paper and electronic handheld textbook was ach ieved using clinical scenario tests. Results During the 6-month study period, the 20 physicians and 6 paramedica l staff who used the handheld devices found them convenient and functional but suggested more comprehensive training and improved search facilities. C omparison of the handheld computer with the conventional paper text reveale d equivalence. Access to computerized patient information improved communic ation, particularly with regard to long-stay patients, but changes to the s oftware and the process were suggested. Conclusions The introduction of this technology was well received despite d ifferences in users' familiarity with the devices. Handheld computers have potential in the ICU, but systems need to be developed specifically for the critical-care environment.