PCTI tests Docman on the iPad

Dr Neil Paul using Docman on iPad (Click the image to enlarge)

Healthcare IT supplier PCTI has tested its document management software on Apple’s iPad at a GP surgery in Cheshire.

The company said the combination of Apple’s iPad and its Docman document workflow solution could give GPs real time access to patients’ documents and important clinical workflows, without being tied to a fixed computer on a consulting desk.

Use of Docman on the iPad was tested by Cheshire GP Dr Neil Paul, a partner at the Ashfields Primary Care Centre in Sandbach, Cheshire.

Dr Paul said he found the device much easier to use than a laptop and that passing it over to a colleague to show them a letter felt natural.

He added: “This technology could finally get me out of my room and into the common room, meeting and talking with colleagues. That would be really welcomed by many of my colleagues, who feel isolated doing their paperwork.”

Dr Paul added that, with appropriate security, the iPad could enable him to have information where and when it was needed, rather than having to find an empty room and spend a long time logging on.

PCTI said Docman allows GPs to easily comment on and highlight letters before re-routing them to practice staff and the iPad could add to the benefits of the system.

Philip Young, director at PCTI, added: “We are really excited by the potential of new devices like the iPad to unleash users from their desks.

"I’m sure other application providers in healthcare are looking an innovative ways to present data which promote collaboration both within and externally to the practice.”

PCTI said it plans to launch its new iWorkflow software next month, which has been designed so that it can eventually be taken up by GPs on different platforms such as the iPhone or iPad. The iPad is due to launch in the UK on 28 May.

Watch Dr Neil Paul’s latest video diary for more on PCTI’s Docman iPad application

Dr Neil Paul writes a column on the EHI Primary Care website. Read his latest column here.