Jerry Fahrni

Quick Hit – Mobile devices in our pharmacy

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Jerry Fahrni

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During preparation for a presentation that I’m giving at Innovations 2010 on mobile computing in pharmacy, I realized that we seem to be collecting quite a variety of mobile devices in the pharmacy at Kaweah Delta. Below are some images of the devices currently in use.

Shown are an iPhone, an iPad, a Dell Latitude XT2 tablet PC and a Motion J3400 Tablet PC . Each device has its own set of pros and cons. Like the iPhone which is ultra-portable, but a real pain to work on secondary to the small screen. The Dell offers incredible flexibility, but the battery life is ho-hum and it doesn’t take abuse well. The J3400 is actually a solid machine and works well in our environment. It’s tough and offers darned good battery life when both batteries are installed. I haven’t rendered an opinion on the iPad yet. The coolness factor is through the roof, but after that I’m not sure where it fits.

I have plans to make a video at some point demonstrating how we use the iPad in pharmacy practice, but time seems to be against me.

Comments

8 responses to “Quick Hit – Mobile devices in our pharmacy”

  1. Rob Fahrni

    I still honestly believe the iPad will not be considered great in your environment until you have native applications that embrace the iPad “way” completely. Using it as a viewer to a Windows box isn’t exactly ideal.

    I’m just sayin’.

  2. Jerry Fahrni

    You’re just saying what I was already thinking.

  3. Nick Volosin

    But, if you consider each device as a thin client connecting to a virtual desktop in the ‘cloud’ that you can reconnect right were you left off… that is healthcare mobility at its finest. Any device, Any time, Any where!

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  5. Jerry Fahrni

    Good point Nick, and accurate. As we continue to move toward mobile healthcare I’m looking forward to the host of new mobile devices that have yet to be developed. It’s a good time to be in a field that’s finally starting to embrace technology. Thanks for stopping by.

  6. Rob Fahrni

    Nick,

    I know Kaweah has been getting a lot of attention for its use of iPad’s and iPhones, bravo for that. I just hope that you continue to embrace the platform. What do I mean? Glad you asked.

    I’ve see the Citrix iPhone/iPad client application. It works, and that’s about all I can say for it. Yes, it provides a view into a different system but it’s not very usable. I’m afraid from a UX perspective it’s lacking. I wouldn’t be surprised if you find a number of users that don’t care for the experience.

    That’s ok, it’s a start. Give them a system that allows them to use the existing legacy system and build them a truly unique experience that embraces the platform.

    I’m going to go out on a limb here and assume this is phase one of many that leads to a native solution that improves productivity. I’m sure that’s the plan, why else would you embrace the iPad and all it has to offer and stop with the lowest common denominator solution.

    This is a brilliant move on the part of Kaweah Delta District Hospital. I’m sure Apple will be knocking on your door to follow your progression as you move from a workable solution (Citrix) to fully embracing the platform (native iPad apps).

    I wish you all the best. This is going to be a great challenge, with a great reward on the other end!

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