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As recently as a few decades ago most patient information resided in a paper folder in a slot at the end of each bed.  The information required for physicians and other caregivers to make decisions and execute these plans was literally located at the feet of each patient.

Over the years, as technology and information systems have been introduced in health care, the health information of patients has been moved further and further from the bedside.  This disrupted the natural workflow of caregivers, with most care planning taking place far away from the patients and their families.

The introduction of tablet technology in 2010, beginning with the iPad, allowed a practical tool for physicians and other care providers to get ‘back to the bedside’ and engage the patients in decisions about their care.  The key enabler is the ability for caregivers to have all of the information they need, wherever they need it, whenever they need it, and in real time.

The Ottawa Hospital aggressively implemented the iPad tablets for physicians and other care providers in the fall of 2010. Now most care is delivered at the bedside and patients are able to more actively participate in decisions in their care plans.

There is now no doubt in my mind that having physicians back in their natural workflow, providing care by the bedside, is here to stay.  It has significantly improved the timeliness, safety and quality of care for our patients.  We now have a strong platform to improve care delivery in even more innovative ways, while ensuring privacy and security.

Dale C. Potter
Senior Vice-President, Information Services & Chief Information Officer

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