Use of smartphones and tablets in healthcare on the rise, study suggests

A 2013 report from Epocrates has revealed the increased numbers of physicians and mid-level practitioners using smartphones and tablets at work.

According to the study of 1,063 participants, 86% use smartphones, which is up 8% from 78% in 2012. 53% of those studied use tablets at work, compared with 34% in 2012. All participants use laptops or desktop computers, and 47% use all three devices at work in what Epocrates refer to as “digital omnivores”.

The report states that mobile devices have become the primary screen for clinicians. The uses include searching, accessing professional reference resources, communicating with colleagues, administrative tasks and occasionally clinical note taking.

Although PCs and laptops are still used prominently in the healthcare industry, mobile devices are rapidly catching up. The portability and ease of use makes them ideal for instant note taking and research, and the flexibility of communication channels makes them a valuable asset in the healthcare industry.

When it comes to communication, convenience should never be favored over security, but fortunately for healthcare professionals Sfax provides a balance of the two. Available on mobile devices from smartphones to tablets on both iOS and Android systems, Sfax gives users the opportunity to send and receive secure faxes from anywhere with an internet connection.

The fact that Sfax is HIPAA-compliant means that all users’ sensitive information is protected and documents are not downloaded direct to mobile devices. Negating the need for paper altogether saves organizations time, money and secure data concerns, allowing them time to focus on what’s important.