Using tablet computers to enhance patient education, patient communication, and health awareness

Managing a primary care panel is an ever-changing experience. Physicians, medical support staff, administrative staff and patients need to be engaged in the circle of care. Tablet computers, through their multimedia capabilities, interactive features, and touch screen functionality can enhance learning across patient populations. Tablet computers can also act as communication portal and a care engagement tool. Tablets offer better consistency and quality control of the educational message while also overcoming literacy and language barriers. With this grant, Beth Israel Deaconess Healthcare would purchase 3 Microsoft Surface PRO tablet computers, 1 wireless printer, 3 Surface Secure stands and 1 ReadyDock UV RD5 machine for use in the primary care clinic. The tablet computers would enhance patient education and engagement on available healthcare resources, as well as provide communication applications that will address language barriers. The ReadyDock UV machine would provide on-site disinfection between patient users, and would also enable charging and secure storage of the tablets. The wireless printer would enable patients to print handouts to bring home with them for further review.