Doctors Used to Using iPhone Apps Aren’t Fond of the iPad…Yet

MacWorld had an article about how doctors are going to start using the iPad more and more in the medical community.  If Apple had just opened up the iPad to be more like a Mac (useful as a desktop/laptop replacement) – or heaven forbid, more open like a PC – we would still be talking about how boss Jobs is. They had the chance, credibility, platform, and technology to BRADY every other manufacturer. Instead, they just Schruted it.

Did I mention that they named it the iPad?

But, they didn’t ask me for a reason, I suppose…

I’ve had this discussion with a doctor who uses the iPhone like crazy when dealing with patients. There are a ton of apps that help doctors. I asked her if the iPad appealed to her; for the same reason that we think it is bunk technology (giant iPhone that is less convenient without reducing the need for a computer) and she said no.

I can see the medical profession using something like an iPad in the future, if the cost comes down and they are more PC-like (i.e. EMR and Hospital (Citrix) systems can be installed on the OS). If Epocrates (and others) could unshackle themselves from Apple, it would change the medical community. As it stands, Epocrates is simply latching on to a known (and healthy) distribution channel.

I’m surprised they surveyed physicians so soon after the release. That’s an interesting demographic to target.

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