Is charting with a Palm Pilot ok?

Specialties Informatics

Published

Hi!

I've been throwing this question out all over the place. What technology is out there for the use of personal data assistants, charting and storing progress notes and then transferring them to a pt database.

Here's why. I work at a camp that is very large, and we have to respond to any calls minor or (hopefully never) major. As well we do rounds on our campers every night (60-150 campers divided between two of us). Then the prn's and assessments for general c/c through the week. At the end of a session of camp we are beginning to issue statements of care recieved (if any ) to send home with the campers to their primary care givers. This is a lot of charting and organization and unfortunatly charting is never as thorough as I'd like. Part of the reason is that we go to the camper rather than them to us. I think that a PDA would help but I don't know how the legality of it works.

Is transcription on a PDA valid? Can it be used? Is there something else out there?

Specializes in Informatics, Education, and Oncology.
Originally posted by Joshua21

Hi!

I've been throwing this question out all over the place. What technology is out there for the use of personal data assistants, charting and storing progress notes and then transferring them to a pt database.

Here's why. I work at a camp that is very large, and we have to respond to any calls minor or (hopefully never) major. As well we do rounds on our campers every night (60-150 campers divided between two of us). Then the prn's and assessments for general c/c through the week. At the end of a session of camp we are beginning to issue statements of care recieved (if any ) to send home with the campers to their primary care givers. This is a lot of charting and organization and unfortunatly charting is never as thorough as I'd like. Part of the reason is that we go to the camper rather than them to us. I think that a PDA would help but I don't know how the legality of it works.

Is transcription on a PDA valid? Can it be used? Is there something else out there?

HAVE I GOT HELP FOR YOU!

Yes there are multiple forms, documentation applications, databases (even SOAP notes) available for use on either the Palm OS or Windows CE platform of handheld devices. By using other applications like Pendragon and HandDbase you can even create your own forms if so inclined.

Related to the validity of using a hand held to document- you might have to get the approval of who ever authorizes forms/documentation materials at your "Camp"/organization to buy in. The documentation is valid, the question is more will your organization allow it? Similiar to if you created a new paper form. You need to get it reviewed and approved for inclusion and use at your particular organizations. Documentation on hand held devices and forms produced from the same are being used in the US by MDs, residents, nurses and other clinicians. Check out the sites below for additional info. If you need more let me know.

http://www.rnpalm.com

and

http://communities.msn.com/nursingpocketpcusergroup

surf both sites and you find more than you need about handhelds, forms, applications and their use in nursing.

HAVE FUN!

WOW! Thanx a bunch!

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