A new Windows Mobile application called MedicMate, designed to provide doctors and consultants with handover electronic copies of patient notes, has been developed by CMO Global.

Based on US style ‘track and bill’ systems, the software allows users to securely log onto a web application and electronically enter patient notes on PDA or smartphone devices, which can then be read by the next user, once they securely log on.

Each user, must be registered for the service. Single User licences currently cost £59.95, and they must be using a Pocket PC, PDA or Smartphone with a touchscreen, Windows Mobile 2003 or later and at least 64 MB of memory.

Tim Rayne, a director at MedicMate, told E-Health Insider: "Modern mobile technology is powerful. Whilst many healthcare professionals have access to PDA and Smartphone devices, few use them for more than quick medical reference.

"MedicMate, designed by doctors on the shop floor, instead focuses on bringing accessible and genuinely useful functionality directly to all grades of healthcare professionals free from infrastructure obstacles or inadequacies."

MedicMate uses Windows software to enable doctors and clinicians to manage their patient workload. The software uses word processing tools to enable quick data entry and drop down lists to ensure that the application can be used quickly in busy healthcare settings.

Rayne added: "Patient demographics, problem lists and jobs can be maintained in a fully customisable environment. Powerful job searches, patient filters, alarms, sticky notes and printable lists are, amongst other things, some of the really useful functions which assist in efficient organisation and delivery in many healthcare settings.

"MedicMate represents an evolution from traditional static paper based patient lists which can become illegible as written notes are added, are often mislaid, and frequently left on desktop computer memories."

The system uses password protection, 128-bit encryption and the in-built security features of PDA devices, to ensure patient privacy, he added.

As well as sharing handsets, users can also make use of infrared and Bluetooth technology to facilitate encrypted wireless handover of patient records, including completed and pending jobs, problems and handover notes.

Rayne says the system is compliant with BMA guidelines on safe handovers, and can be adapted to individual trust information governance guidelines.

The system cannot currently be linked to a PC and added to existing notes, so data will still need to be re-keyed. It can, however be printed on wireless printers.

Other uses of the technology include an electronic logbook, enabling trainees to record their training experiences effortlessly at the bedside and an electronic switchboard, listing all the telephone extensions, faxes, e-mail addresses and aircalls within a hospital as well as other numbers such as patient support organisations.

A video of MedicMate can be viewed at www.youtube.com/medicmate.