Placing wireless tablets in clinical settings for patient education

Abstract

Objective: The authors explored the feasibility and possible benefit of tablet-based educational materials for patients in clinic waiting areas. Methods: We distributed eight tablets preloaded with diagnosis-relevant information in two clinic waiting areas. Patients were surveyed about satisfaction, usability, and effects on learning. Technical issues were resolved. Results: Thirty-seven of forty patients completed the survey. On average, the patients were satisfied in all categories. Conclusions: Placing tablet-based educational materials in clinic waiting areas is relatively easy to implement. Patients using tablets reported satisfaction across three domains: usability, education, and satisfaction.

Keywords

• Audiovisual Aids, Computers, Handheld, Data Collection, Feasibility Studies, Multimedia, Patient Education as Topic, Patient Satisfaction, Aldiko, e-Reader, Nexus 7, Video Tutorial