Digital pen and paper: A review of the technology and its potential application in healthcare

Electronic medical records (EMR) are a priority in the landscape of US healthcare. Digital pen and paper systems offer an expedient and innovative way of adapting the familiar handwriting medium into the EMR. The technology of the digital pen and paper and its components is reviewed and critically evaluated as to its potential advantages, disadvantages, and implications to patient care. In addition, field testing of a commercial digital pen and paper system was carried out in an informal educational setting by a panel of expert clinicians and educators. Potential nursing and healthcare applications and implications are listed and discussed.