PDAs as Mobile-Based Health Information Deployment Platforms for Ambulatory Care: Clinician-Centric End-User Considerations

Abstract

This chapter discusses the broad theme of clinician-centric end-user acceptance toward the adoption of personal digital assistants (PDAs) as mobile-based health information deployment platforms within ambulatory care service settings. Personal digital assistants, ambulatory care, and point of care are defined and the interrelatedness of each discussed. Issues, controversies, and problems such as mapping existing workflows, security, and change management are identified, and solutions are suggested for the process of transforming predominantly paper-based ambulatory care systems into electronic point-of-care (ePOC) systems. A current research and development project, the ePOC PDA project, is used as a case study to highlight discussion points. The purpose of this chapter is to illustrate end-user implications and considerations when introducing ePOC systems into ambulatory care service settings and highlight ways and means of improving future levels of acceptance and support of ePOC systems for clinician end users.