Here are a few (totally unofficial and not in any way directive) considerations that Connect Care users may want to bear in mind when considering purchase of a mobile device to use at launch.
- Smartphone
- A dedicated mobility app (Haiku) is available for installation on both Apple (iPhone) and Android (multiple brands) smartphones.
- If one is considering a new purchase or upgrade, and is not invested in a particular mobile operating system, there are strong reasons to prefer an iPhone (iOS):
- The Haiku app on Android lacks some functionality available on iPhones. For example, you can’t order inpatient medications/investigations using Haiku on an Android, but can on an iPhone.
- Apple and Epic have a close collaborative arrangement. New innovations tend to be available on iOS before Android.
- Any iPhone or Android smartphone screen size should be fine for Haiku. The smallest available screens (e.g., older iPhone SE) may be difficult to use in clinical environments.
- Things like clinical images are not stored on the local device, so typical mobile memory capacities should be fine.
- Apple Tablet
- "Canto" is the Epic tablet app made available to prescribers. This works only on Apple iOS devices (iPad).
- All iPads work well with Canto. Consider the use-case and whether lab coat pocket size is a factor.
- If an iPad is to be used for rounding (can nicely substitute for computer on wheels), give the iPad Pro (with keyboard and stylus) a close look. The larger (12.9") screen size works well for mobile carts and does a good job with both Canto and Hyperspace (via the Citrix app). The smaller iPad Pro (11") or iPad Air (10.5") are great for personal rounding as they usually fit lab coat pockets.
- It is possible to use the Citrix Workspace app (available for iOS, Android, Chrome, Microsoft) to run full Hyperspace on a tablet. However, navigation can be tricky and some kind of stylus or pointing device will be wanted.
- Windows Tablet
- Windows tablets cannot be used for Haiku or Canto.
- Tablets running Windows 10 (i.e., Surface Pro) can run Hyperspace via a Citrix app.
- Hyperspace was designed to be used on larger monitors, and has not been optimized for touchscreens. As a result, the screen may seem crowded and some touch features on a Windows tablet may not be fully enabled.