Hand-held brain extenders

I read with interest Michelle Greiver's discussion of the use of a Palm Pilot (“hand-held brain extender”) in her practice.1 She stated that her patients have not found her Palm to be intrusive; rather, they appreciate the extra information that she can now bring to their health care.

My experience has been similar. In the spring of 2000, I asked 12 of my patients to fill out an anonymous questionnaire after I used a handheld personal computer during my encounter with them. None of the patients reported having any negative thoughts or feelings about my use of a handheld personal computer during our visit, and 9 of them were impressed that I used one: they felt that I was “up to date.”