Medical student use of the iPad in the clerkship curriculum

Abstract

Students found efficiency through their ability to study during downtime, and through quick access to information and mobile access to electronic medical records, amongst the greatest benefits of having an iPad during their rotations. Improving Wi-Fi infrastructure and offering timely iPad orientations could decrease challenges to students' clinical iPad apps use. This study analysed students' use of iPad apps and perceptions of the iPad as a clinical too.

Handouts 2.0: enhanced capabilities and continued relevance

“…Indeed, tablets and smartphones are nearly ubiquitous among modern trainees, and studies have shown that one of their most frequent uses is to access reference material: effectively becoming the modern pocket notebook. 4 When constructing a handout, it's often helpful to think about what you like in a handout. What did you forget as a trainee?…”

“…Depending on the file format, searchable text allows for much faster referencing. Indeed, tablets and smartphones are nearly ubiquitous among modern trainees, and studies have shown that one of their most frequent uses is to access reference material: effectively becoming the modern pocket notebook …”

iPads in clinical rotations: a student perspective

“…The top benefi t reported by students was 'mobile access to electronic medical records (EMRs) during rounds' . 1 The use of EMRs in medical education has increased. 2 Although our medical school does not provide mobile access to EMRs, we appreciate their benefi t as an educational tool.…”

“…W e read with interest the study by Youm and Wiechmann. 1 As fi nal-year students provided with iPads by our medical school to aid learning during clinical rotations, we recognise the benefi ts and challenges that they present.…”

Teaching and technology

“…We regularly publish articles describing new technologies. In this issue, for example, you can read about iPads being provided to third‐year medical students for use during clinical rotations, a virtual journal club using e–mail and social media, and smartphones being used as laparoscopic trainers …”