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Thanks to all that took time!!!
 
Original question:
 
We just bought Opie for our office and we're wondering what computers people are using for practitioners in patient rooms.  We're considering notebook pc's for each practitioner, but we like the idea of a touch screen.  Is anyone using any of the new tablets?  We were told the I-Pad cannot perform all functions, but what about the others like HP and Dell that offer different operating systems?  Any and all input would be appreciated.  This, I'm sure, is going to be a little bumpy for a while, so any help would be appreciated.  Tablet notebooks are incredibly expensive, but perhaps the best option.
 
Again I thank those members that take a few moments to help.  I know we're all crazy busy and time is a great commodity.  Kevin
 
Replies.............
 
We don't have Opie, but I think our experience with our system addresses your question. We use a system called "eClinical Works (eCW)" for everything in our facility. This is my first experience with EMR, and it is phenomenal. I think you'll find the switch well worth it.

We see up to 500 patients per day, and all Clinical staff has access to tablet computers (rotatable touch screens.) However, it is rare to ever see a staff person using their tablet in the tablet configuration. There are a couple reasons for this, in my opinion:
- when typing anything more than two letters the stylus with pop up keyboard is horrendously cumbersome
- handwriting recognition is inaccurate and very slow compared to typing

I even purchased small wireless mice for a couple of us to use as we moved throughout the clinic, since the touch pad is too cumbersome and slow. Clicking through documentation phrases, surfing from screen to screen in the system to find records, etc is much, much easier with a mouse.

Staff regularly use the stylus/touch screen while in laptop mode, so it is very valuable to have that feature. The tablet is very handy (even indispensable) when it comes to electronic forms for Proof of Delivery signatures, etc.

Dropping extended documentation phrases into the record with a few taps of the stylus or clicks of the mouse is pretty cool. When I think about how many notes I've laboriously handwritten, typed, or dictated in the past two decades this may seem a little ridiculous, but some of us now complain when we have to go through too many clicks...

Our IT Director told me last week that the Fujitsu Lifebooks we use are on average $400 more per item than a laptop, but worth the cost in terms of quality/durability. That's coming from a place where that cost difference probably means $50,000.00 for the facility as a whole.

Hope this helps.
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I am general manager for WillowWood, an industry manufacturer. I cannot help directly, but may be able to provide some useful input. As you may or may not know, Willow Wood offers a CAD/CAM package called Omega Tracer, and our package is integrated with OPIE. Basically in response to OPIE coming out with an iPad app, I began asking our customers if they would like to see an Omega app for tablets as well. Tablet apps, as you say, are typically designed to accomplish 60-80% of the functions of the full blown software package, but are designed to do that portion very intuitively. 


My feedback to date, filtered through my perspective, has been that practitioners find great value in being able to handle those aspects of their business which take place in front of the customer, with as much speed and ease as possible. the few practitioners who have dealt with tablets so far, find that the simplified interface and touchscreens make those vital functions that much easier, and so they see real value there. Keep in mind that if you go the tablet route, you may need to have at least one full blown station of the software somewhere in the office to do some of the detail work. 


Full disclosure; I am a tech-geek and so I tend to like the new gadgets. I am one of the idiots who support the ridiculous prices for new technology . However, knowing Paul and his group, I think you would be well supported should you choose to go for tablets.
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Kevin,
We have desk tops in all pt rooms.  We started testing the use of an IPad and so far so good. The advantage of the iPad is you can obtain a digital signature in the exam room without purchasing a digital signature pad.  The only limitation with the iPad is some find it hard to type on the iPad.  You can attach a keyboard to an iPad.  We have only been testing this iPad for 2 weeks so don't make any purchasing decision based on my response.  Please share your responses. 
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I have an HP Slate 500.  It runs Windows 7 Pro which basically makes it a computer.  The touch screen is not as responsive as an IPad.  It can use finger or a pen.  You press a button on pen for right click.  Straight typing  is hard.  It so far has run all the set up programs, CLeg, Elbow Soft, Touch Bionics, etc.  It has also done OK with Brightree and Internet.  It can also run powerpoint and output to a HDMI device.  It might be slow for inputting patient notes in room.  Keyboard is scalable. I type with both hands and hunt and peck slows me down. 
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I run Opie with the HP Elite Book tablet.  The tablet can be very handy with stylus forms,  however, often I find myself just opening the tablet and utilizing like a laptop.  I tried the Ipad diagnostically w/ remote settings and found myself loosing patient interaction time by trying to resize all of the forms, though this could be a user error! Having the computer in the exam room is a must if you're going to take advantage of all the usages of Opie software.  If I were to do it all over again I would purchase a standard laptop for each room and link to a universal printer.  This would be about the same price as you know the tablet aren't cheap. If you have anymore questions please let me know.
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I used a tablet and found it to S_L_O_W...but was using Futura.
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Kevin,
We implemented Opie about 16 months ago,  There is a learning curve to
become proficient with any system and blend it into your business model.
What I would suggest is to make a timeline of Opie goals which allows your
clinicians and staff the opportunity to get comfortable with one task at a
time.  I would certainly put a tablet down the road as your clinicians need
to learn the system before having a tablet in front of a patient.
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Hi Kevin,

We have been using OPIE for just over 2 years and have been 5 months
completely paperless within our office.

Laptops work well in patient rooms.  I have not used the HP touch screen
desktops but they look like they would be nice with OPIE for some things,
but OPIE is not written for touch screen only operation.

We have 2 iPads in our practice and using OPIE Mobile works very well.  For
the things OPIE Mobie cannot do directly, you can use a remote desktop
application to access your OPIE server and do everything.

With the iPad we can have patient sign credit card authorization forms and
ABNs too.

How large is your practice?  How many offices? Practitioners?
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Kevin
Get desktops that are hardwired.  Wireless is too slow, tried the tablet early on- too slow.  We have been using opie for some time and tried different setups
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We've been using opie for over a year now. Are you sure they are completely compatible with tablets as that is not my understanding.
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Thanks to all respondents.  I think I'll go with the Fujitsu tablet notebook.  They cost just under $1000 and the reviews are good.  I am going to purchase one to start, then add one for each practitioner and one for my lab supervisor for work tracking and fab sheets.  I think the tablet pc is the best of all worlds.  We all still have our desktops for finishing charts, but the tablet, I feel, is best for patient rooms and out calls.
 
Thanks Paul for this list.


 

Kevin C. Matthews, CO/LO
Certified/Licensed Orthotist
 
Advanced Orthopedic Designs
12315 Judson Rd. Suite 206
San Antonio, TX 78233

Phone: 210-657-8100
Fax: 210-657-8105
www.AdvancedOrthopedicDesigns.com