PDAs and YOU

A classic story presented by Jon Bloom, MS-III, DMD, LPS, BSA, DNA

THE PLAN

I.

Why get a PDA in the first place II. The Components III. Bells and Whistles IV. Pocket PC’s vs. Palm’s V. Applications

Why Do I Need a PDA?

• Improves efficiency • Decreases medical errors (especially in pharmaceuticals) • Improves retrieval of medical knowledge.

• Improves care at the point-of-care!!!

Why Don’t I need a PDA?

• They cost money.

• They take time to learn.

• They break.

• They can be intimidating to some.

• Something better is going to come soon.

THE COMPONENTS

(Just the basics)

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The Processor

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The Processor

• The decision maker of the PDA, handling and manipulating the data.

– Larger speed number = faster processor.

– Not the only factor which determines device speed, but the most common.

• Advantages of more speed: – Quicker data manipulation, allowing for and improving picture use, movies, music, games, and internet usage.

• Faster does not mean better: – Greater power requirement • shorter battery life OR heavier and more expensive battery.

The Screen

The Screen

• PDA screens are LCDs (liquid crystal displays).

• Color vs. Monochrome – Color can be difficult to see in bright outdoors – Color has a greater battery requirement – Recently, very little price difference between the two.

• Dimension of screen • Resolution – Measured by the number of pixels horizontally and vertically (eg. 640X480).

– The more pixels the more you can fit on a screen at once, but the smaller the writing (usually).

Memory

• The concept of memory – Standard floppy = 1.44MB

– Compact Disc = 700MB • ROM on PDAs = Operating System – No Power = Information still there • RAM on PDAs = (mostly) storage – No Power = No more stored information

Memory (ROM)

• Complicated • General Rule: The more ROM, the quicker the device.

– Allows for upgrading the OS

Memory (RAM)

• Used for two things: Storage and “Program Memory” • Storage – Used whenever saving a document or installing a new program.

– The file or program is “written” to the RAM where it can then be accessed again until it is deleted.

• Program memory – Used whenever programs are run or files are opened.

– Data here constantly changing; user has no control over it.

Memory (RAM)

But when you don’t have enough storage…

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Expansions

• Compact Flash • Secure Digital QuickT i me™ and a T IFF (Unc ompres s ed) dec ompres s or are needed t o s ee thi s pi c ture.

• Memory Stick QuickTime™ and a TIFF (Uncomp resse d) de com press or are nee ded to s ee this picture.

Expansions

• Unlike computers, the “guts” are not easily modified or upgraded  expansion cards.

– Compact Flash (CF) – Secure Digital (SD) – Memory Stick • “Flash ROM” = writeable permanent memory – EXTRA SPACE FOR YOU TO USE!!!

– Not exactly analogous to a removable HD or floppy disc.

– Some applications can’t be run right off the card.

Expansions

• Compact Flash (CF) - pseudo-PCMCIA – Most common and oldest type.

– Offers wireless, networking, bluetooth, serial, USB, infrared, modems, cameras, and other hardwares.

– Can hold up to 3 gigs.

• Secure Digital (SD) – Used by most Palm and PocketPC devices.

– Storage only – SDIO will allow you to use a bluetooth card (and more soon).

– Can hold up to 1 gig.

• Memory Stick – Exclusively in Sony devices. 256MB max.

Wireless

• Allow you to connect your PDA to other PDAs or devices.

• To make use of this the other side of the connection has to be able to communicate.

• Wireless technology is built into many machines, but can be added via CF or SDIO card slots.

Wireless

• Bluetooth (short range) – “USB” = 30 ft max distance.

– Commonly used for syncing your PDA to your computer or to other bluetooth devices.

– Can allow user to access internet via a bluetooth phone.

• AT&T and Cingulair • WiFi/802.11 (mid range) – “Ethernet/LAN” = 1200-1600 ft max distance.

– Allows direct connection to internet.

– Requires a “hot spot”.

• Scaife, Presby, and Childrens???

• T-Mobile and Verizon

Wireless

• GSM, GPRS and CDMA (long range) – Both based on cell-phone technology.

– Allow for internet anywhere you go.

– Requires monthly service.

– Commonly come as a PDA/phone combo.

– Soon to be offered as a CF card.

Data Input

Data Input

• Stylus – Requires user to learn Graffiti.

– Intuitive and easy to learn.

– Allows user to input info and navigate around, all without changing hands or hand position.

– Virtual vs. Static Graffiti pads.

Data Input

Data Input

• Thumb Board – NOT

key

board!!!!

Data Input

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Fun Stuff

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Palm OS vs. Pocket PC

• Palm OS is simpler to use but less flashy.

• Better games in Pocket PC but less freeware.

• Pocket PC’s require more memory and faster processor.

• More Palm OS apps due to it being first and to “developer ease.”

Palm OS vs. Pocket PC

• Palm continues to be the market leader in PDA sales.

• Palm OS continues to dominate the medical field.

• However, Pocket PCs are slowly increasing market share in enterprise, as well as in the medical arena.

– Wireless and hospital system connectivity

Market Share

Palm 46.7 (+10.5) Sony 12.1 (-11.5) HP 11.1 (-15.1) Dell 8.3 (NA) RIM 7.3 (+127.8) Others 14.5 (-54.9)

APPLICATIONS

The Essentials: ePocrates Rx

• The big pimp of all Palm Apps - you cannot do without this program! One of the few programs that saves time for the busy clinician. And it’s FREE!

• Can upgrade to Rx Pro for $50, a necessary expenditure for Mac users.

• Updates via web as often as you want. Why upgrade every year, when new drugs/info can come out daily?

The Essentials: Johns Hopkins Abx Guide

• A free, reliable and accurate resource, with searching by diagnosis/organ-system, pathogen, or antibiotic.

• Interface could be a little better, but has great info and even an "author's opinion.” • Also updated monthly via an auto-update feature.

The Essentials: Calculators

• MEDMATH: Free, fast, and small memory requirement (40k), and tons of useful formulas. Calculate creatinine clearance, osmolality, predicted peak flows, etc. Great user interface and has a touchpad area to input numbers.

• MEDCALC: Slower, memory hog (350k), but much more formulas than MedMath. Some better than MedMath (i.e. has a decent pregnancy calculator), so that’s why I have both… • ABG Pro: Cool ABG calculator, even explains why it chose a certain disorder. Small memory requirement, so I would recommend highly. Shareware.

5 Minute Clinical Consult

• Gives bullet points to tons of diseases – Basics, workup, physical findings, treatment, etc… • Easy-to-use interface + search option • Sold by several companies, including Skyscape, Handheldmed, and Franklin.

• Price ranges from $45 to $65 • Can be run off of expansion card.

• Size = 2.5MB

The Average User

• Programs – E-pocrates – 5MCC – Medcalc – ABG Pro – Preg Wheel – ABX Guide – Internal Functions • 16+ megs!!!! 32 would be safest.

Bloom’s Picks

(Off the record) Color vs. Monochrome

Bloom’s Picks

(Off the record)

Color

vs. Monochrome

Bloom’s Picks

(Off the record)

Color

vs. Monochrome Pocket PC vs. Palm OS

Bloom’s Picks

(Off the record)

Color

vs. Monochrome Pocket PC vs.

Palm OS

Bloom’s Picks

(Off the record)

Color

vs. Monochrome Pocket PC vs.

Palm OS

Minimum Memory: __MB

Bloom’s Picks

(Off the record)

Color

vs. Monochrome Pocket PC vs.

Palm OS

Minimum Memory:

32

MB

Bloom’s Picks

(Off the record)

Color

vs. Monochrome Pocket PC vs.

Palm OS

Minimum Memory:

32

MB Sony vs. Palm

Bloom’s Picks

(Off the record)

Color

vs. Monochrome Pocket PC vs.

Palm OS

Minimum Memory:

32

MB

Sony

vs. Palm

Bloom’s Picks

(Off the record)

Color

vs. Monochrome Pocket PC vs.

Palm OS

Minimum Memory:

32

MB

Sony

vs. Palm GoTo Inexpensive PDA:

Bloom’s Picks

(Off the record)

Color

vs. Monochrome Pocket PC vs.

Palm OS

Minimum Memory:

32

MB

Sony

vs. Palm GoTo Inexpensive PDA:

Palm Tungsten E

Buying your PDA

• Buy the right model for you.

• If possible, get “cheap feels” at computer stores.

• Compare devices at places like CNET.com.

• Know your device!!!

• Ask questions.

Contact Us

[email protected]

Jonathan Bloom: [email protected]

QUESTIONS???