ipadAs previous users of Officemate/Examwriter, the other doctors at our practice and I used iPads through a terminal server. This means we used iPads in the exam room with Officemate/Examwriter. When we first got them we were excited, and our patients were too. Seeing the doctor documenting the exam on the iPad gave the impression that the doctor was up-to-date. The cool factor was so high that many patients commented on it.

We have since transitioned to RevolutionEHR, which currently does not have an iPad application, but is in the process of developing one. As the IT leader at our practice, I saw this as a setback, because the doctors macbookwould not be able to use their ultra-portable and popular iPads.  However, RevolutionEHR has multiple efficiencies and seamless integration within the practice management software, so it was easy for us to make the move, even though we had to go back to the clunkier and more cumbersome laptops.  Although the software was a great move, the lack of an iPad application was discouraging. Yes, I could continue to use the iPad through the terminal server, but we needed to eliminate the need of a server and network. Through this process I found the iPad being fun and trendy was not nearly as important as the increased workflow efficiencies.

  1. Data Entry – Many optometrists spend time writing letters. By that, of course, I mean, generating letters from their EHR software. It is always nice to type in a personal note to the physician you are referring to. Typing in a personal note or unique documentation of any kind requires you to use the keypad. Yes, many people are fast typist on the iPad, but it is more difficult than a laptop keyboard.
  2. texteTextexpander  – This is an application that is available on both the iPad and Macbook. It is most efficiently used on the Macbook. As optometrists we document many of the same types of phrases throughout the work day. With textexpander you can use key stroke shortcuts to immediately populate a box in your software instead of trying to locate where that exactcheckbox or drop down is.
    1. Type “;rtc”
    2. Get “Schedule patient to RTC in 12 months(s) for Comprehensive Encounter.  Optos or Dilate Category: pre appoint”
  3. Multiple screen view – One of the biggest disappointments of a tablet is the inability to view multiple functional screens at one time. With the Macbook I am able to view my EHR and Optos Advance image at the same time or view the OCT while doing an interpretation and report. Do you communicate by Skype or Google chat throughout the office? I know it works good on the iPad, but it functions even more efficiently on the Macbook.

The iPad is a great tool and patients do love the impression that it gives. Personally, I love what technology can do for the practice, but not at the cost of efficiency. As optometrists we are constantly being asked to do more in less amount of time.  To avoid getting bogged down in the additional workload we are tasked to do, we must learn to use technology in a way that works for us and not against us. Don’t trade efficiency in your workflow for the cool factor in patients’ perception.