One in five physicians likely to purchase iPad within year

One in five physicians plan to purchase an iPad within the year, according to responses from a survey by Epocrates shortly after Apple announced the device. Other findings from the poll of 350 clinicians:

-- Nine percent of survey respondents said they plan to buy the iPad immediately when it is available.

-- Another 13 percent of participants said they plan to buy it within the year.

-- Thirty-eight percent of respondents expressed interest in the iPad but said they need more information to solidify their purchase decision.

Epocrates is customizing its clinical reference application, now available for the iPhone and iPod touch devices, for the iPad.

"We are committed to providing the most productive experience at the point of care, keeping physicians informed and focused on the patient rather than searching for answers," Rose Crane, chief executive officer of Epocrates, said in a prepared statement.

Also on the heels of the announcement of the Apple iPad platform, Voalté announced that its Voalté One application, which enables clinicians to send and receive text messages, make voice calls, and receive critical care alarms, is expected to be available for the platform when the device is ready to ship in late March. The application has the goal of providing faster response times to patient needs.

"The increased screen size [of the iPad] will be beneficial for physicians and other clinicians who want to connect with the electronic medical record, view medical images, make diagnosis, and educate the patient," Trey Lauderdale, vice president of innovation for Voalté, said in a prepared statement.

The iPad is compatible with the iPhone, so users of the smart phone should be able to leverage the library of applications already purchased and the investment in infrastructure already made.