Nursing Pda

"Touch" vs. "tech": Valuing nursing-specific PDA software

Rosenthal, Kelli

Abstract: Maximize your time by using a personal digital assistant (PDA) efficiently and effectively, featuring new nursing-specific software. [Nurs Manage 2003:34(7):58-60]

Traditionally, nurses are reluctant to incorporate electronic devices into their clinical practice. The thrust of nursing's educational preparation emphasizes "touch" over "tech," so nurses may avoid new technologies because they're unsure how to integrate them into their work. In 2001, only about 1% (25,000) of RNs in the United States used PDAs.1 Clinical PDA usage among physicians was estimated to be 18% in 2002 and is expected to grow by 33% by 2007.2 Even if you've never thought of yourself or your staff as "techies," properly used, PDAs offer busy caregivers the following benefits:

* Enhanced productivity-Obtain critical medical information or perform weight-based dosage calculations at the bedside.3

* Risk management/error reduction-Make calculations accurately and instantly confirm drug dosing and compatibility without leaving your patients.4

* Stress reduction-Gain rapid access to critical information with a higher level of confidence.5

As overall PDA demand grows so, too, does the number of available models and nursing-specific applications. With so many PDAs available, how do you know which one's right for you?

Make the right choice

Before choosing a PDA, it's helpful to know what you'll want it to do, so review the software that's available to meet your needs. A quick search on the Internet for "nursing" and "PDA" will return quite a sampling of software that's available for your use, as well as a host of resources for optimizing your PDA, product reviews, and opportunities for comparison shopping.

The basic functions that most PDAs offer are:

* address books, many of which will sync with your desktop computer's personal management system

* "to do" lists and date books

* memo pads

* expense tracking programs, which usually work with popular spreadsheet programs

* and "find" functions, which allow keyword searches of all programs and entries.

In addition to the programs that come with PDAs, there are medication references; diagnostic tools; patient, student, and staff management programs; clinical guidelines; medical dictionaries; and lab values-all available for download or purchase.6 These resources are indispensable for nurses across the clinical continuum.

Before you or your staff invests in patient-tracking software or starts loading patient information into PDAs, be sure to know your organization's policies on entering patient information into PDAs. At the least, any patient information or related applications must be password protected to maintain privacy and confidentiality. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) is now a reality, and your organization should have policies on the use and transmission of patient data; consult your facility's compliance staff regarding this issue.

Accessorize

Now that you know what software you'll need, make sure you choose a PDA with enough memory to load it all. At least 8 MB of random-access memory (RAM) should be available for use in the clinical setting. To accommodate greater memory requirements in the future, purchase an expandable PDA, preferably with an industry standard card (that is, flashcards types 1 and 2).

To load the software onto your PDA, you'll need a desktop or laptop computer. If your computer already has a lot of peripherals attached to it, make sure it has an empty USB port to plug m the sync cradle. Most new PDAs have USB connectors, but if you purchase an older model, you can buy an adapter to convert a standard connector to a USB connector.

Some PDAs with wireless options allow you to download software directly through built-in Web browsers. Still, you'll want it to be as convenient as possible to sync your PDA with your computer: If your battery dies, any information you've entered will likely be lost. The best way to avoid losing valuable data is to back it up on your computer at least daily.

Battery life is another concern. How long is the battery expected to last? Can you buy extra battery packs? Is it rechargeable?

Through effective PDA use, staff members can keep the information they need to offer increasingly complex care at their fingertips. Stay abreast of the potential advantages and capabilities of PDAs, and adopt a leadership stance that supports the development and deployment of handheld technology at the point of care for nurses.7

References

1. Health Resource and Service Administration: National Sample Survey of Registered Nurses. Available on-line at: http://www.bhpr.hrsa.gov/healthworkforce/rnsurvey. Last accessed May 7, 2003.

2. Harris Interactive Poll: Physicians' Use of Handhelds Increases. Available on-line at: http://www.rnpalm.com/harris.htm. Last accessed May 7, 2003.

3. "Nurses Using PDAs to Save Time," Palm Boulevard. May 19, 2001. Available on-line at: http://www.palmblvd.com/articles/ 2001/5/2001-5-19-Nurses-Using-PDAs.html. Last accessed May 7, 2003.

4. Grasso, B., Genest, R., Yung, K., Arnold, C.: "Reducing Errors in Discharge Medication Lists by Using Personal Digital Assistants," Psychiatric Services. 53:1325-1326, October 2002.

5. Hunt, E.: "The Value of a PDA to a Nurse," Tarheel Nurse. March 18, 2002. Available on-line at: http://www.unc.edu/~dbailey1/ CONI/nsgpdavalue.doc. Last accessed May 7, 2003.

6. Goss, L., and Carrico, R.: "Get a Grip on Patient Safety: Outcomes in the Palm of your Hand," Journal of Infusion Nursing. 25(4):274-279, July-Aug 2002.

7. Hunt, E., Kearns, L., and Bailey, D.: Reference Hearing Proposal: PDA Use in Nursing. Council on Nursing Informatics: Action proposal #1. Available on-line at: http://www.unc.edu/~dbailey1/ CONI/Reference%20Hearing%20Proposal% 20PDAs.doc. Last accessed May 7, 2003.

Kelli Rosenthal, MS, RN, C, CRNI, CANP

About the author

Kelli Rosenthal is president and CEO, ResourceNurse.com, Oceanside, N.Y.