Electronic Medical Record (EMR) Hardware Information

You will have several Hardware choices when it comes to using your EMR:

Server - A computer that makes services, as access to data files, programs and peripheral devices, available to workstations on a network.
Desktop - A computer designed for use on a table or desk. Its components include a screen, keyboard, mouse and computer tower. The most common hardware device used with an EMR.
Thin Client - A central computer with multiple screens, keyboards, and mice. Particularly useful in situations where large numbers of devices need to be installed in one or more locations.
Laptop - A portable, battery-powered computer small enough to rest on the user’s lap.
Tablet PC - A wireless personal computer in the form of a notebook and that allows a user to hand-write notes with a stylus or digital pen on a touch screen.
Handheld PDA - A device that can easily be held in one hand. Due to size limitations, these are still in the development phase.
Hard-wiring vs. Wireless - Hard wired devices are not very mobile. Wireless devices are, but require transmission equipment (router) to send and receive signals to the devices.

There are several other optional hardware features:

Touch Screen with or without a stylus. These devices avoid the requirement of typing or using a mouse.
Voice Recognition additions to computers will allow the devices to recognize the human voice (with a minimal amount of training) and produce text directly to the computer by speaking into a microphone.
Handwriting Recognition Programs allow the recognition of handwriting or printing on a specific area of the computer that can be translated into printed text.

Peripheral Options:

Printers will be used to provide patient educational materials, prescriptions, letters and other paper documents needed by the patient.
Scanners may be required to produce an electronic version of printed material that is desirable to include in the EMR, further limiting the use of paper documents.
Fax machines may be used to transmit documents to referring physicians, pharmacies, or third parties who require printed versions of electronic documents.