Nutrition Research and Practice

The Korean Nutrition Society (한국영양학회)
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Personal digital assistants: Essential tools for preparing dietetics professionals to use new-generation information technology

  • Jang, Mi-Young (Minu Interactive, Inc.) ;
  • Song, Won-O. (Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Michigan State University)
  • Published : 2007.03.31
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Abstract

Rapid integration of information technology into health care systems has included the use of highly portable systems-in particular, personal digital assistants (PDAs). With their large built-in memories, fast processors, wireless connectivity, multimedia capacity, and large library of applications, PDAs have been widely adopted by physicians and nurses for patient tracking, disease management, medical references and drug information, enhancing quality of health care. Many health-related PDA applications are available to both dietetics professionals and clients. Dietetics professionals can effectively use PDAs for client tracking and support, accessing to hospital database or information, and providing better self-monitoring tools to clients. Internship programs for dietetics professionals should include training in the use of PDAs and their dietetics applications, so that new practitioners can stay abreast of this rapidly evolving technology. Several considerations to keep in mind in selecting a PDA and its applications are discussed.

Keywords

References

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