Table 3.

Summary of handheld computer functions and reported effective outcomes.

Function of handheld computer	Description of function	Evidence of effectiveness (as documented in included studies)
Patient documentation	Electronic collection and documentation of patient data	More interventions recorded
		Improved documentation rates
		More accurate and detailed description of clinical findings
		More accurate diagnostic coding
		More frequent documentation of side effects
		Increased rate of electronic prescribing
		Fewer errors in discharge lists
		Improved patient identification
		Less information lost
Patient care	Access to electronic evidence based decision support systems, pharmaceutical information, transmission of investigatory images, and access to patient management systems	Reduced prescription error rates
		Fewer unsafe drug treatment decisions
		More changes in drug prescriptions
		Increased self-reported drug knowledge
		Reduced antibiotic prescription
		Decreased average length of stay
		Improved practice efficiency
		Improved diagnosis and patient care
		Shorter intervention times
		More consistent care, according to patient preferences
Information seeking	Looking for information about patients, drugs, guidelines, references, at point of care	Saves time
		More frequent access to electronic resources
		Informs patient education about medication use
		Earlier learning about new developments
Professional work patterns	Integration of handheld computers into work flows to improve efficiency and communication	Integrates well into clinical workflow
		Saves time when retrieving drug information
		Perceived efficient decision making
		Saves time in ward rounds accessing, retrieving, recording data
		More time for direct patient care
		Quicker response times and less failures to respond than with mobile phones and pagers