Is the Handheld platform (Ce or Palm) robust enough, and is the Handheld interface sufficient for patient tracking?

Any discussion of a Handheld  Interface, must include an operational definition of what you are interfacing with.

Handheld devices are hardware objects that contain software. Usually, the Handheld software is used as subsets or plugin of a larger, more comprehensive application residing on the PC. In other words, instead of the entire software program being present on the Handheld device, because of memory and speed constraints, the user carries a modified version of the larger software package. The software present on the Handheld device should be that which is essential for patient tracking. Specifically, the subjective, objective, assessment, and plan needed during a patient encounter.

Depending on how you perceive the situation, the Handheld interface, although a subset of the entire software program, can be construed as an advantage. For example, while the physician works on specific patient data on his Handheld device, others in the office can be working on ancillary information on the PC that works in conjunction with the Handheld software. The Handheld device can be uploaded to the PC side, at any time during the day, without interfering with ancillary operations.

Is the Handheld platform robust enough and sufficient for patient tracking. Unequivocally yes. Is it the ideal situation? No.