The meaningful use incentive program is having a major impact on physicians' adoption of mobile devices for use in their practices, according to a new report from the market research firm Kalorama Information.

The paper points out that the market for mobile healthcare devices grew 10 percent between 2007 and 2011, much faster than most other industries. The authors said that requirements in the meaningful use program for physicians to enter patient information electronically are driving the growth, as mobile devices offer many benefits over desktop systems.

"To qualify you have to show that your healthcare providers are actually using the EHR - entering patient data and ordering prescriptions electronically," said author Bruce Carlson. "We think that realistically it means handheld devices. Meaningful use of EHRs means meaningful use of handhelds, as the patient-centered nature of healthcare work doesn't permit a lot of desk time."

Mobile systems have traditionally been used in healthcare for remote patient monitoring. However, they are increasingly finding a role in administrative tasks, as doctors are being compelled to enter more information electronically, the report points out.