Staying organized and productive can be tough, particularly for busy healthcare providers.
Apps can help you keep track of information, create and store documents, stay on task, and accomplish more every day.
Many of these apps can be used on Android and iOS devices and desktop computers and most are free to use or charge only modest fees to download or use online.
While these programs should not be used to store patient data, you may find that there are plenty of other uses in your practice for these apps.
1. WPS Office (For iOS, Android, PC, Linux; Free, with a premium option available to purchase)
This office suite creates written documents in popular file formats, spreadsheets and presentations. It works on a range of devices and operating systems and allows you to easily save files to cloud accounts. With free templates and a straightforward interface, this software helps you complete basic office tasks, develop marketing materials for your practice, create documents, and finish other office projects.
2. Google Drive (For iOS, Android, Mac, PC; Free 15 GB of storage)
Store your files online in your own cloud storage account. This software is great for storing marketing projects, blank documents and other uses. If you frequently work on your documents from different devices, Google Drive will help you access your documents easily and keep them updated without creating unnecessary versions of your files and trying to reconcile the changes later. As always, be sure to follow all HIPAA regulations and privacy laws. You should not use this for storing clinical data that contains patient information.
3. Dropbox (For iOS, Android, Mac, PC, Linux; Free, with premium account options)
Another great cloud storage system for personal and business files. Dropbox automatically syncs your files among your different devices whenever internet access is available. You can use your files offline and any changes can be updated to the cloud when you are online again. Using your Dropbox online account, you can also securely access your files by visiting the Dropbox website from a computer, tablet or mobile device. Just like with Google Drive, you should not use this program for storing patient data.
4. Trello (For iOS, Android, Web access; Free, with premium account options)
Trello lets you build to-do lists and organize them using colorful virtual index cards. A basic Trello account is free and allows you to collaborate with other members of your team to accomplish business and personal projects. You can record project information, organize your calendar and create alerts to keep yourself and your team members on track. You can track your team’s progress as you complete your tasks. Trello has a variety of different ways to customize task tracking. This software is compatible with most computer systems and mobile devices and can be accessed online in the cloud.
5. SmartNews (For iOS, Android; Free)
SmartNews is great for people who want to stay informed about the news and avoid wasting time online reading endless headlines, waiting for news and ads to load and jumping from one news website to another. Each time you open SmartNews, you will find several news stories in each category ready for you to read. You can choose from a variety of different content channels. The app updates the stories regularly or whenever internet access is available, so you can bring your stories on flights or read them whenever you are offline. Text-only reading is an option that allows you to avoid long download times.
6. Canva (For iPad, web use; Free, with premium images for purchase)
If you need images and graphics to use for your website, blog posts, marketing or other uses, Canva allows you to easily create your own designs that you have the full rights to use. With Canva, you can create graphics that look professionally-designed for free and use them for your practice. Some options within the app are available for purchase, but the free options offer a great degree of flexibility that may meet most of your design needs.
7. Focus Booster (For desktop or web use; Free, with premium options for reporting)
Focus Booster is inspired by the Pomodoro Technique, a system of working in 25 minute periods with five minute breaks. This app allows you to customize your timer and keep it out of the way while you work.
