Asking a patient about depression, partner violence and fall risks can be uncomfortable for both the patient and the nurse.

A study by Wake Forest School of Medicine found that when patients complete the screening questions on a tablet, rather than answer questions from a nurse, it identified potential risks twice as often.

Researchers believe that’s because of patient hesitancy answering such questions orally and on the discomfort and time demands put on the nurses who have to ask them at the same time they are taking patient vitals.

Do you agree with these findings? Would you prefer the iPad method at your practice?

Learn more about the study and the process here.