Computer notes / organization in Clinical Years

[treva]

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Hey guys,

About halfway through second year I got really into writing my PBL notes into MS word (while reading from multiple textbook / online sources) and I felt that using my lapper made everything much more organized and much neater (my hand writing is pretty crap).

I'm wondering, is there anyway I can use this concept to apply to years 3 and 4? The reason I ask is because I'm seriously considering buying a new Mac (I want an Ipod Touch for DXsaurs and skyscape anyway, and I can get an 8gb one for free with a new mac). I also thought that perhaps I can move stuff written on my mac to my Ipod to have on hand when I need it in the clinic (ie my own notes). But, I don't want to shell out the dollas if I'm just going to end up using it for surfing the internet and writing misc papers, which I can do with my current PC.

I've seen work sheets / index card formats which people use to organize their patients during the clinical years, I suppose what I'm asking is how do those people who write notes using their lappers do this in years 3 and 4?

 

[socmob]

Very doubtful that you'll use your notes from the first two years while you're on the wards. The type of stuff you'll want for quick reference on the wards is more related to quick diagnosis and treatment specifics which aren't likely to be in your preclinical notes. Much easier to get a basic wards program like epocrates. People who use worksheets or index cards to track their patients print them off their computers, but they're not taking notes on their computers on the patients or anything.

That said, responding more to your actual question (I think) is that I do take computer notes on things during 3rd year. If I get a particularly good handout or really good pearls of knowledge from my preceptor or something. I have a PDA, and I use a program called Phat Notes which lets me write up notes on my home PC and transfer them in an organized, color-coded, way to my PDA which I then can use on the wards. This is useful for something you have to reference every so often...like how to do an adolescent HPI.

Also, in general, if you're taking notes, I highly recommend you use One Note. Way better program for that kind of thing than Word.

 

[OncoCaP]

Hey guys,

About halfway through second year I got really into writing my PBL notes into MS word (while reading from multiple textbook / online sources) and I felt that using my lapper made everything much more organized and much neater (my hand writing is pretty crap).

I'm wondering, is there anyway I can use this concept to apply to years 3 and 4? The reason I ask is because I'm seriously considering buying a new Mac (I want an Ipod Touch for DXsaurs and skyscape anyway, and I can get an 8gb one for free with a new mac). I also thought that perhaps I can move stuff written on my mac to my Ipod to have on hand when I need it in the clinic (ie my own notes). But, I don't want to shell out the dollas if I'm just going to end up using it for surfing the internet and writing misc papers, which I can do with my current PC.

I've seen work sheets / index card formats which people use to organize their patients during the clinical years, I suppose what I'm asking is how do those people who write notes using their lappers do this in years 3 and 4?

It would probably not be a good idea to put patient information into your own computer or device (unless you want to risk someone turning you in for a (real or imagined) HIPAA violation -- anyone can simply complain that you are putting patient information on a personal gadget in violation of HIPAA and then you will have a mess on your hands). As far as non-patient information goes (drug reference, etc.) an iPhone or other PDA device capable of running Lexi-Comp, Epocrates, etc., is very nice.