An evaluation of medical residents utilization of tablet computers

• Medical doctors received iPads to use during their residency training.
• Residents used the iPad extensively throughout their training.
• Three areas of iPad use were identifies: receiving information, inputting information, and collaboration.
• Significant differences exist between items in the clusters.
• We argue that tablets such as the iPad are a useful tool for graduate medical education and later medical practice.

Today’s medical students are digital natives who, for their entire life, have been surrounded by digital technology. Our research focuses on a tablet computer’s usability in medical education, and the subsequent transfer from the classroom to the work environment. For a period of three years, all incoming pediatric residents at a large southeastern university were provided an iPad. At the end of the 3-year program, we surveyed the residents measuring perceptions of iPad use and satisfaction. Fifty-six (60%) of the residents responded to the survey. A statistically significant number reported an increased amount of time spent with the tablet throughout their medical education. Similarly, a significant difference exists between those who believe the device to be a necessary part of medical education versus those stating it would be nice but not necessary. We present figures detailing how three conceptual areas: receiving information, inputting information, and collaboration (consisting of ten different facets of the tablet’s use) impacted their medical education. Residents throughout their medical education use the tablet extensively. There is variance in the areas where the tablet is the preferred tool versus a smartphone or computer. A clear majority of students expect to transition the tablet into their workplace upon completing residency. We argue a tablet is a useful tool for graduate medical education and later medical practice.