title: The tablet device in hospital neurology and in neurology graduate medical education: a preliminary study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  There is limited literature on tablet devices for neurohospitalists and in neurological graduate medical education. This study evaluated utilization, benefits, and limitations of customized tablets on inpatient neurology practice and resident education. The hypothesis was the perception of the tablet would be positive, given their portability, convenience to accessing point-of-care reference, and accessibility to the electronic medical record.
  
  
  METHODS
  Second-generation iPads with neurology-specific applications and literature were provided to our in-hospital general, stroke, and consult neurology teams. After 1 year, residents on these teams were surveyed on demographic data, familiarity, and utilization of the iPad and their perceptions of the device.
  
  
  RESULTS
  All 27 residents responded to the survey. Most participants (23 of 27) used a tablet while on inpatient service. Twelve regularly utilized the neurology-specific apps and/or accessed scientific articles. Technologically savvy residents felt significantly more comfortable using tablets and were more quickly acquainted with the features. Thirteen respondents wanted a formal orientation on the advanced features of the tablet independent of their familiarity with the device or level of technological comfort.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Overall, the perception was that the tablet was beneficial for inpatient clinical care and as an educational reference. Participants became easily familiarized with the device features quickly, regardless of whether they owned one previously or not. Most physicians indicated interest in advanced features of tablets; however, a formal orientation may be beneficial for optimal utilization. A reliable network connection is essential to in-hospital use of tablet devices. Additional research pertaining to patient outcomes, objective educational benefit, and cost-effectiveness is necessary.
authors.affiliation: Cerebrovascular Center, The Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, USA.
authors.forename: Pravin
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: George
authors.affiliation: Neurological Intensive Care Unit, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
authors.forename: Christopher R
authors.initials: CR
authors.lastname: Newey
authors.affiliation: Department of Infectious Diseases, The Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, USA.
authors.forename: Adarsh
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Bhimraj
keywords: education; electronic medical records; iPad; information technology; tablet computing