The other day I was asked how technology is changing the medical field. This is an area where I readily admit that I'm no expert (one of the few). However, I do have a few thoughts. This TechCrunch article details an iPad app called DrChrono that doctors can use during patient appointments to take notes and write prescriptions. DrChrono represents a huge leap forward for a few reasons. Most importantly, it allows wizened doctors to look hip using a chic new Apple gadget, but also allows doctors to keep electronic medical records without the unnecessary and cumbersome intermediate step of writing them down on paper.
Electronic medical records have been one of Obama's priorities since he took office. He claims they will eliminate billions of dollars in health care costs--more than relevant coming from a president whose healthcare plan is decried as unsustainably expensive. In addition to saving money, electronic medical records can help prevent doctor error. For example, when a doctor writes a prescription, software can check a patient's history for problems regarding the specific medication or similar medications. Software programs may have a poor bedside manner, but they are adept at sifting through large amounts of patient history and medication information looking for potential problems. The examination room isn't the only professional workplace the upstart iPad is making noise.
While we're talking about taking our iPads to work, let's talk about the FAA's recent approval of using the iPad in place of paper flight maps. A particular charter jet operator has recently gained FAA approval to stop using paper maps and rely solely on the iPad. The company went through a strenuous approval process, and apparently their success does not mean that other companies have the same approval. However, it certainly sets a strong precedent, and I'm sure that many other companies and airlines will follow in their footsteps. Using the iPad instead of paper maps just makes too much sense.
Though these are just two examples of the iPad moving into the workplace, they are representative of a larger trend of using the iPad for activities other than entertainment. Apple bills the iPad as a device for consuming media and online content because the consumer market is their focus. However, the ability for third party app developers to create applications for professionals allows the iPad to be used in novel settings. Apple probably never imagined pilots relying on the iPad in the cockpit, but they did have the foresight to open the door to developers who could make it a reality.
It's time to give all those nagging technology questions a voice. Why not just email them to 44maagnum@gmail.com right no
No comments:
Post a Comment