5 note-taking apps that will boost physician productivity

The desks of physicians are often cluttered with paperwork and plastered with post-it notes. But with more than half of physicians using mobile devices for work, many find themselves ditching paper notes in favor of digital ones.

The use of tablets and smartphones extends well-beyond clinical areas, and many physicians are increasingly relying on these devices to enhance organization and productivity both on and off the clock – and for good reason.

By using a tablet, health care professionals gain 1.2 hours in productivity every day, according to a study earlier this year by CDW.

Save time and stay organized by downloading these note-taking apps:

 (Free)

Among productivity apps, Evernote remains the clear leader of the pack. Suzy Mage, a Medical Web Experts blogger, praised the app as “one of the best organizational tools out there.” Physicians can take patient notes, capture photos, and record voice reminders for themselves.

 ($7.99)

App creator Vision Objects is making it easier for physicians to avoid the stereotype of illegible handwriting with MyScript Notes. This app will covert handwritten notes into easy-to-read digital text. Lori Gill wrote on idownloadblog.com: “This is one of those apps that utilizes everything the iPad’s technology offers.”

 (Free)

Similar to Evernote, Catch Notes allows users to create notes and to-do lists that are easy to share among colleagues. App Reviewer Jennifer Allen compares the app’s ability to categorize notes as easily searchable and similar to Twitter’s use of hashtags.

 ($1.99)

For physicians who struggle with letting go of the traditional pen and paper, this app is the closest digital replacement. App reviewer Angela LaFollette wrote on 148Apps: “Since Simply Write isn’t packed with a ton of useless features, taking notes and jotting down thoughts is a breeze.” For added ease, users can write with or without a stylus.

 (Free)

For physicians looking to go paperless at the office, Note Anytime is one of the best mobile apps to get them started. Environmental educator Pamela Millar wrote: “It has all of the note taking and sketching features for jotting notes and drawings, but it is the extras that make it superior to pen and paper.” With this app, doctors can import PDF documents to make annotations, capture and mark up web browsers, and draw on a virtual white board during consultations.

Subscribe to Medical Economics'weekly newsletter. It's free!