There are some great hands-on shots and video demonstration of Microsoft’s Courier. As you can see, it is pen-based.
If the pen-based inputs on the courier is as sensitive, responsive and precise as they are on a Tablet PC, then I can see this device being a great tool for EMR (electronic medical records).
I’m loving the pen inputs on this device, and I like how there are two screens to sequester two different applications. In my practice, I rely on typing in letters and numbers that aren’t real words, and drawings. I see this as a great interface for this. If this interacts with Microsoft’s OneNote, and it probably will, it will be a note-taking winner. Sometimes you need to have your stuff on a desktop to work with, and sometimes you need to have your stuff in your hand, on the go.
Caution, though. Sometimes the romantic notion of having a slate in your hand, taking notes while talking to patients doesn’t always pan out. I’ve tried this with a slate style Tablet PC in my chiropractic office, and I rarely picked it up. That’s one of my arguments against using an Apple iPad, and that same argument goes for this too. However, this fold up to the size of a 5X7 photo, and is just under an inch thick. I’m no engineer, but that sounds like it would fit in a large pocket.
I’m getting one. I don’t know how much it will cost, but they’re probably going to shoot for the iPad’s excellent price. It’s due out at the end of this year.
Todd Lloyd, DC
Chiropractor in Sonoma
Is balance training something you teach to patients? Seems more up the alley of a physical therapist. I like the idea I just can’t see where I would fit it in.
Hi Doc. I work with patients with balance issues all the time. The spine, as you know, is the largest balance organ in the body.
And, remember, when we all went to chiropractic college we got plenty of physical therapy-type instruction. Active exercises for patients are an integral part solving someone’s neurological dysfunction.
I wonder if getting an iPad and using it as a diagnostic tool (or looking up a patients file) will change the way a patient thinks of you as a doctor. They may think that you’re using technology to add additional value to their visit. They could also think that you care more of how you look as a doctor with a sleek iPad than about the treatment of the patient. It will be interesting to see how many of these tablet type devices slip into chiropractic offices.
Thanks for the great tips!