title: Handheld computers in veterinary medical education: a view from human medical education.
abstract: Handheld computers are widely used in clinical practice, and their use in both human medical education and veterinary medical education is increasing, especially, for the former, in activities involving point-of-care access. This article references the insights that can be obtained from the usage and activities that are gaining a strong foothold in human medical education. Handheld computer technology gives students access to a large and changing knowledge base for clinical practice, especially when they are geographically dispersed. Differences in use between education and practice largely relate to the importance clinicians place on patient information. Student use focuses on progress mapping and ready access to clinical reference material. Suggestions are made for future use in medical education.
authors.affiliation: Division of Neuroscience and Psychological Medicine, Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine, Paterson Centre, 20 South Wharf Road, Room 407, London, W2 1PD, UK. d.nestel@imperial.ac.uk
authors.forename: Debra
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Nestel
authors.forename: Harry
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Brenton
authors.forename: Roger
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Kneebone
mesh_terms: D003194:Computer-Assisted Instruction; D034201:Computers, Handheld; D004504:Education, Medical, Undergraduate; D004520:Education, Veterinary; D006801:Humans; D011364:Professional Practice