HanDBase 3.0 review
In the PDA market, DDH Software has had a long and successful history with HanDBase. Version 3.0 was a long anticipated upgrade, and the programmers had spent a while discussing the feature wish list with customers. So, has it been worth the wait? We have spent many weeks testing the software in several medical settings, and our answer is positive.
The fundamentals – still solid
For those new to the program, HanDBase is a fully featured relational database. The “relational” bit means it can elegantly handle complex information, and is the standard for database programs on PCs. To have squeezed these capabilities into the confines of a PDA was impressive in the early days of underpowered Palm models.
Pervious versions have efficiently handled data creation, storage and searching. Through the infrared beam, beaming and printing were also possible. The new version improves the interface for all these features, making most tasks easier, or simpler.
The last point is worth stressing. We have worked with many clinicians to design databases to suit their needs. One reason that we consistently choose HanDBase is the knowledge that, after we leave, the clinicians will find the software easy enough to work with. Creating and modifying a database is simple.
DDH Software also ensures that HanDBase is multi-platform. The software works well on Palm OS and Pocket PC machines, and there is a PC version can synchronise with Microsoft Access. This upgrade also includes support for ODBC databases, which means the software can also work with most non-Microsoft databases.
The new stuff – highly useful
ODBC support is just one of the new features. The one that we are most excited about is the peer-to-peer synchronisation. To translate, this means that the program can compare the information on two handhelds, and update each with the other’s new data. It does all this through infrared beaming. By contrast, other programs do the synchronisation centrally. In other words, everyone backs up his or her handheld to the same desktop PC, using the synchronisation cable. The PC then compares the data on the handhelds, and updates them at the next synchronisation.
In practice, this difference is very important, and we soon took advantage of it. We designed a small database for an acute medical department. The database stores a patient’s identifying details, problems list and jobs list. We then showed all the junior doctors how to use the software, and how to get into the habit of peer-to-peer synchronisation. This fitted in perfectly with the doctors’ normal routine. In other words, each doctor would usually see his or her own patients independently. The next time two members of the team would meet, they would beam the patients to each other: only the new information travels. This is crucial if both doctors had independently seen the patient on two different occasions. The software checks the new observations by each doctor in each database, and integrates them into the same patient’s record.
Only HanDBase lets you do this. The closest alternative would be for each doctor to synchronise at a PC, and let the PC do the integration. However, this slows things down, and does not fit so well into a clinician’s workflow. It was a big hit at the hospital, and we have made the database freely available on our website.
There are also several evolutionary features. First, Blue-tooth beaming is supported. This provides better range than infra-red, and the users no longer have to make sure their handhelds are perfectly aligned. 128-bit encryption is also supported, bringing solid security to the clinical data. Finally, powerful administrator features give the database designer strict control on what users can do with the data. For example, the database can be locked against further design changes.
The future – bright?
Of course, the software is not perfect. For example, creating a unique field, which uses a hospital’s existing records system, is still difficult; encryption is not fully optimised for speed; and beaming several databases takes too many taps. Furthermore, the competition is increasing as DataViz has recently entered the market with its own database.
Nevertheless, the folks at DDH Software have done an excellent job, and pushed PDA relational databases to the next level. So should you buy a copy? If you have been using HanDBase in the past, then an upgrade is well worth the money. Users of other databases should play with the trial version’s features, and we think that for many the switch is worth the time and money. And for those clinicians who have never used a database before, our advice is to get a database, and to make sure that it is HanDBase. It’s always been worth the money.
review by Dr Laura Dean and Dr Mohammad Al-Ubaydli
