A standard computer with keyboard would be also useful, and should be provided for in the design of the system, but there are several advantages to a notepad computer. This argument about bulk also applies to putting a standard desktop computer or monitor in an exam room. The user interface is designed to use an on-screen menu whose items expand when touched with a stylus, and data entry and display areas are tiled windows that expand with a touch when needed. A keyboard is the only efficient alternative. Mice wander all over, trackballs don't allow rapid entry of complex data, standard touch-screens are inadequate for data entry.
Keyboards are too distracting, too demanding of the user's attention.
A notepad fits the clinician's task best. When the day begins, the day's patients are listed in a corner of each screen. The doctor's patient list for the day appears, and the assistant touches the name of this patient. BP, weight, temperature. Probably three data entry windows might be enough.