By Irwin Lim, Rheumatologist
Last Thursday, I went to bed at midnight. My alarm woke me up at 1259 am. I jumped onto the Apple Online Store in time for the 1am sale of the ipad2! We had decided to get 3 ipads for the clinic and I wanted to get my hands on these ASAP. A successful transaction but unfortunately, 1 week later, I've received the covers but not the actual ipads. Another 3 week wait!
I think the ipad will be really useful in healthcare. I've already sourced a range of apps, ranging from an Eye Chart to Anatomy Resources to Medical Calculators. No Angry Birds at this stage. We've downloaded video describing aspects of inflammatory arthritis as well as lectures our rheumatologists have given. Rob Russo has also created pictorial presentations to help educate our patients on Osteoporosis, Ankylosing Spondylitis and Rheumatoid Arthritis. These too will be available to show on the ipad.
Patient education is something we do multiple times a day. Being able to explain an anatomical or pathological concept with a short animation or a picture really does make it much easier.
Dr John Hart is a pioneer in this field. His company, Anatomate-apps creates wonderful medical apps for the iphone, ipod and ipad. One example is iSpineCare.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UyKagsl1cF0
I must admit to being an Apple fan, but I think I'll be right in saying that the ipad2 will be a very useful addition to BJC Health. Our Connected Care model stresses education and a device like this, with good apps to use, can only help enhance the experience for our team and our patients.
Do you use any apps for your healthcare?
Dr Irwin Lim is a rheumatologist and a director of BJC Health.
BJC Health provides a connected care multidisciplinary team philosophy to deliver positive lifestyle outcomes through a holistic approach to those with degenerative & inflammatory arthritis, tendon injury and lifestyle diseases. Our clinics are located in Parramatta, Chatswood and Brookvale. Contact us.
This blog focuses on arthritis-related diseases, healthcare in general, and our Connected Care philosophy.
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