Tablets coming to healthcare

While tablets have been embraced by a wide range of industries, perhaps the one that has been the most enthusiastic about the new technology is healthcare. Between pagers, cellphones and myriad other technology, doctors have always been among the most gadget-happy, and it seems the tablet isn't doing anything to change that.

The stereotypical image of the doctor walking into the exam room with a pen and clipboard is being replaced with a doctor holding a tablet computer. The tablet offers medical personnel several benefits, but chief among these is portability. Lightweight and slender, the tablet can be carried anywhere without feeling like a burden.

The tablet also helps healthcare providers keep their thoughts organized. Tablets can store a wealth of information, including medical and patient data, and give doctors and nurses access to interactive schedules to ensure they're where they need to be when they need to be there.

Tablets are still an evolving technology, and their applications in healthcare are only scratching the surface. However the technology matures, it seems destined to become a vital tool in healthcare.