Columbus, Ohio Handheld computers are new items being utilized by family physicians and residents in their daily care of patients. This article will explain the different types of computers available and will make recommendations on the type of device to purchase for physicians who wish to utilize this new technology. They are being used in a number of practice settings by family physicians, residents and medical students. These devices are used to keep reference materials in a compact device and to store and archive patient data. Most handheld computers contain a number of basic programs for everyday use, including an address book, calendar, calculator, memo pad, and other useful programs.
Most devices are capable of storing thousands of addresses and phone numbers within the base memory.
In addition, users can add more programs into the memory. There are a number of medically-related programs that can be added to the base memory of these devices. This is also the way some programs are loaded into memory. Handheld computers are also able to communicate with each other through an infrared port on the device. This allows users to share programs, addresses, or schedules with each other.