Department of Respiratory Services, Advanced Health Systems Incorporated, Hudson, Ohio 44236, USA. tvolsko@advancedhealthsystems.com
Personal digital assistants (PDAs) have had a tremendous impact in the clinical setting, as they have in business and education environments. This report explores the health care application of PDAs, compares available PDA devices and software, and discusses PDA use for tracking patients, documenting clinical procedures, medical education, research, and accessing medical reference material. This report aims to increase awareness among health care providers about the potential roles of PDAs and to encourage further evaluation of PDAs in respiratory care.