Quick Access to Information
As an aging generation gets closer to retirement, the amount of data that will need to stored on servers will increase. Access to this vital information at a moments notice is going to be more and more important. Imagine being able to pull up this information at near real time speed. Also, consider that a few years ago you would have to print out patients information via a direct line. Today, you can use a wireless printer for the iPad to connect via Airprint and then directly give patients a referral or send it to them over the wireless.
iPad vs other Tablets - Apps are the Deciding Factor
What makes the iPad so special vs some of the other tablets on the market? For one, the iPad has a huge app store that dominates any of the other platforms. There are constantly updated and new apps on the iTunes store and many of them are in the medical field. The iPad Air (newest version) is light speed faster than some of the slow crawling computers in hospitals today. Don't you find it interesting that not a lot of medical facilities have upgraded their systems to handle today's requirements (in terms of data).
Virtual Surgery Overlay using an iPad
Some of the concerns that people will have is whether patient information in private or not. Having some level of encryption becomes necessary. Also, if some of the staff have these devices and need to bring them home, what is the best way to carry an iPad safely?
The Next Few Years
Expect to see the uses of the iPad increase in the medical field over the next few years. The speed and overall portability and usefulness trumps nearly everything else out there. It can ultimately help the industry keep up with the times and serve patients better.