Map of Medicine to pilot PDA access

Map of Medicine are to pilot a PDA-based version of their evidence-based clinical pathway information system for the first time in the UK.

In July, the company developed a PDA version that featured seven pathways of care, called the Mobile Map of Medicine, in Kenya. The company is now about to launch the pilot version in England and Wales with all 300 Map of Medicine pathways.

A Map of Medicine spokesperson told E-Health Insider: “We are just beginning six-week pilots in selected surgeries, hospitals and ambulance trusts – mostly emergency care practitioners – in Essex and Wales. We have a designated study plan to monitor the progress of the pilot which includes interviewing users, getting surveys answered and observing the use of the mobile devices.”

Initially a small group of GPs, consultants, paramedics and specialist registrars will be able to access the full content. The mobile pilot will offer comparable functionality to the web-based application, and is designed to help users evaluate concept and implementation. The mobile pilots are not currently part of the company’s contract with the NHS.

“We will be looking to see that the Mobile Map of Medicine fits in with current working practices and working environment of healthcare professionals and trying to ensure that the Mobile Map of Medicine fits in with these and is easily accessible on any mobile device,” the spokesperson added.

Gwent Healthcare NHS Trust is one of the sites piloting the system. Their strategic health evidence manager, Joanna Dundon, said staff “were interested to see if it (Mobile Map of Medicine) could be used in their practice as they felt that they and their staff might not always have immediate access to a desktop PC.”

A&E consultants and ambulance paramedics within the trust were equally interested in trying the technology.

“We are currently piloting this with 13 doctors and 2 ambulance paramedic practitioners. Several district nurses and GPs have expressed an interest to take part in another six week pilot as they think they would find the Mobile Map useful when they are visiting patients in their homes,” Dundon added.

A Map of Medicine spokesperson told EHI that early stages of the pilots were going successfully.

“We are running this programme for free as part of our Innovation Development Programme and pay for trusts to free time for interviews and answering surveys. We are also loaning out PDAs with the support of HP and Panasonic.

“So far user testing has been positive. We will be conducting a wider pilot next year and invite any trusts who are interested to let us know so we have candidates for each region.”

The Map of Medicine is an online, clinical management tool designed to help doctors quickly find the most appropriate clinical information at the point of care. It incorporates the best available evidence worldwide for each pathway topic.

Further information on the pilot is available at www.mobilemapofmedicine.com.