Our outpatient clinic has just finished the conversion from using mobile devices (laptops and motions) to providing desktop computers in every patient examination room. The decision to switch was difficult, but for us it was the right one. We found that our wireless network was simply not up to the task of providing a stable working platform for our physicians. It was slow and unreliable causing a negative impact on efficiency and productivity. We decided this just wasn’t going to work over the long run. As you’ll see, however, I am very glad the wireless network remains intact.
Most of our providers are much happier with the desktop workstations, but I’ve found the limitations are significant. It’s not as easy to share on-screen information with my patients as with a mobile device. It’s also awkward locking and unlocking the desktop between patients. The desktops, however, are faster, more reliable, and the bigger screens are much easier to navigate.
It’s interesting that while the majority of our physicians prefer the desktops, there are still a few (myself included) who continue to use the mobile devices. The decision one way or another seems to be related to preference in work style. For example one of the biggest challenges in outpatient medicine is staying on time. No one likes waiting and a person’s time is important to them. I’ve developed a paper-chart work pattern over the years that helps maximize my efficiency and I’ve found that a laptop closely mirrors this. For example it allows me to to quickly review a patient’s record before I enter the room. I can also leave a patient partway through the visit (while waiting for an immunization, ECG, etc.), see the next person to completion, then finish the first visit. A laptop allows me to do this with no disruption of workflow (no locking and unlocking a computer). But what about the problems of slow screen loading and dropped connectivity? I’ve happily discovered that these difficulties have virtually disappeared because of the reduced number of clients on the wireless network. Yes!
October 15, 2007 at 4:49 am
Did you use a consumer-grade wireless router (like a Linksys, D-Link, NetGear etc.) or an “industrial-grade” like an Alcatel-Lucent, Symbol or Cisco (even thought they own Linksys). I’ve known large organizations that have scaled these to 1000’s of users effectively.