What do I need?

In the UK you need to register as a 'Data Controller' with the Information Comissioner's office.

What hardware do I need?

You don't need to go out and buy super-fast, up-to the minute hardware. A modern low spec PC with monitor, keyboard, mouse and printer is more than adequate to start running the software needed for your practice.

Most PCs now come Internet ready, with an operating system and some free software pre-loaded. Check to see if your PC has Fax software included.

A USB Pen Drive (Flash Drive) or an external USB Hard Drive is essential for easy back up of your files and very handy for easy transport of large amounts of data- floppy disks are becoming obsolete.

Many packages offer a free scanner and/or digital camera which are great for scanned letters, bills and taking images of patient conditions.

An all in one Printer, Scanner and photocopier can be useful in a busy practice. The extra initial outlay can be worth it in the long run- even just in terms of saving space.

Some enthusiasts want to digitally record gait for analysis later so a good digital video camera is worth the investment.
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The following shopping list may help you:

Laptop or PC (base unit) with CD ROM and CD RW + Monitor
+ Mouse+ Keyboard

Printer - essential

Scanner - if you want to store scanned correspondence

Digital Camera - if you need digital still images

Digital Video Recorder - if you record gait for analysis

A wireless keyboard and mouse can give you some ‘hassle free’ surface area.

Laptop or Desktop?

A laptop saves space, is portable and nowadays can do everything a desktop does, however it is more expensive.
Desk top PCs are bulky but generally much cheaper and more easily upgraded.
There are some great mini laptops and tablet PCs which are very useful 'on the go'. eg 'Tough Box' by Panasonic
If you intend having more than one PC in your practice a networking kit will let you share resources on your PCs. A basic kit will set you back £50-£99 but can allow you to share a printer or scanner.

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In the clinic:

Think about layout. Have you space for the hardware? Flat (TFT) monitors save a lot of space. A laptop is good if room on your worksurface is limited.

Have you got enough sockets? Are they in the right position? A good multisocket extension with power surge protection is essential.

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What about a back up system?

There are lots of ways to back up your files: 'Memory Sticks' (Memory Pen)
The 'memory stick (USB storage device) is very popular and easy to use - just plug it into a USB port and save files or drag and drop files directly into it. Memory sticks hold from 16mb to 2gb and can be plugged into any other PC or laptop that has a USB port.

Any files that you don't want to lose should be backed up every day and the storage medium (floppy disk, memory stick, external USB hard drive) kept in a seperate place from the computer or laptop where the original files are stored
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