The technology field is constantly changing. What once was considered the latest and greatest gadget can become obsolete within a few months time. What’s more, all of these amazing new features could sound great and fantastic, but lack of knowledge of use could impede our appreciation of the device. Specifically, it is interesting to note how much the use of the iPad has progressed with these past few years and how it has transcended the industries, everything from corporate businesses to educational institutes to the public health sector.
One prominent example comes from the Duke Global Health Institute. They started using iPad technology for field research as well as for teaching purposes in the fall of 2010. Duke University’s pilot study gave out the tablet to all fellows to help them better gather and analyze data in the fields. Its ease of use, durability, access to 3G and wifi, and wide array of applications has helped make data collection and the workflow of the public health workers much simpler.
I find it quite interesting how much the global health sector is already using these new technologies. In fact, from Duke University’s initial pilot, over 71% are either somewhat likely or very likely to use the iPad in field-based research. Nonetheless, it is not a surprise that the sector is rapidly embracing the technology because these tools give the field workers such an advantage that it seems like a no-brainer to bring it onboard.
Mobile technology such as cell phones and iPads allow people to work on-the-go. It not only reduces the chance for errors in data collection, but also is most definitely more environmental friendly. I appreciate the digitalization of data collection because it allows data to be easily shared amongst different organizations around the world. Granted, there is that initial upfront cost, in the long run, the cost of using iPads and cell phones are much more cost efficient.
For me, what makes iPads truly innovative is that its purpose is that the technology is not directed solely towards the one particular field in public health. Rather, it is a dynamic and fluid platform that evolves constantly. For researchers, this means that they can use it for surveys and census, while also be able to access the internet, write papers, find hospitals, diagnose diseases, teleconference, etc. For developers, this gives that chance to cross over and collaborate with the medical field. They can develop applications for specific uses in the public health sector. These mobile tablets also contain a wide range of resources, such as WebMD, which could be used to diagnose simple diseases, the map application along with the built-in GPS to find the nearest hospital, making taking notes easier than with pen and paper, and also serve as a translation tool, in foreign countries, so that health workers are able to communicate effectively and easily.
One of the ways that the team at Duke used the iPad was to collect in-depth interviews. Students filled out consent forms electronically, recorded the interviewee using an iPad application called Evernote, which automatically synced up with the cloud and their designated computer. Without being too tech-savvy, they could then digitally share their data with peers or insert it into other files such as a Word document or PowerPoint presentation.
An interesting feedback from a student who used an iPad for field research noted that “you can input data on the iPad but look less conspicuously like you are holding a computer, and hopefully keep the participants more comfortable”. This is groundbreaking because not only can the researchers focus fully on the participant, but also is able to accurately record the results for later analysis. Technology is supposed to support and accentuate what we do, not necessarily impede it. With the iPad, it not only makes our workflow simpler, but also blurs the barrier between trying to collect the most accurate data and making sure the environment does not feel “set up”.
Some might argue against the intrusion of technology into the medical field as they consider them frivolous and simply “accessories”. But if one can truly harness technology such as the iPad and smartphones, they will realize how impacting and groundbreaking it is.
The process is not perfect and is still a work in progress. The iPad is still in its infancy. Numerous other applications such as GIS could be transferred onto the platform. There is a lot more that the technology could do, but we have yet to unlock its full potential. It is great, however, to see such a rapid rollout of a technology in a field that could use a lot more help for the improvement of the population and society
References
New DGHI Pilot Project to Use iPad Technology as Field Research Tool
iPads as Fieldwork Research Tools
Duke Global Health Institute/Duke Center for Instructional Technology
http://www.educause.edu/sites/default/files/library/presentations/ELI11/PS17/ELI2011_iPadKeynote.pdf
eHealth for Health Care Delivery
http://www.who.int/eht/eHealthHCD/en/index.html
25 iPad Apps for Revolutionizing Healthcare
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