If physicians are using their devices during a consultation, looking down at a screen for formulas or research, a certain sense of intimacy may be lost between doctor and patient. "We as medical educators have to teach students to use technology and still stay patient-focused," said Ohio State's Lucey, adding that as smartphones grow in popularity, protocols will evolve in how to use them with patients.

For now, common sense will have to do.

"If you go into a room and instead of talking to the patient you tap into the device, there's a problem," Lucey said. "On the other hand, you can choose to pull up images and diagrams that can really engage the patient."

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/05/18/AR2009051802234.html?wprss=rss_technology