Xchart has different requirements for:
A device that will be used to open, view, edit records.
The device that you're going to use to connect to the patient vitals monitor
Keep in mind with our platform being cloud based you can use multiple devices during one case. It is required to have the monitor connected to a laptop or desktop computer for automatic vitals recording. However, if you have a computer connected to the monitor you can also have an iPad or other device open to the same patients case charting information from a different part of the room or office. All the data is sychronized, so even devices that are not directly conneted will see everyone's changes and even vitals streamed to their device.
ONLY ONE DEVICE NEEDS TO BE DIRECTLY CONNECTED to the patient vitals monitor. There are special requirements for that device that do not apply to the other device.
Requirements for a device that will be used for Xchart but WILL NOT be the device directly connected to the monitor:
This can be just about anything with an internet connection and an up-to-date browser such as:
Chrome
Safari
Edge
Firefox
Other browser that is based on Chromium
Because Xchart is a Progressive Web App, all you have to do it open Xchart.com in the browser and sign in.
It can be Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, iPadOS, or a Chromebook.
Requirements for the device that WILL connect directly to a patient vitals monitor:
For this, you will need a device running the desktop version of Chrome or Edge. It should have a good internet connection, at least 4GB or memory and either enough battery power (or be plugged in) so it can stay on and active during the whole case.
For wired connections Windows, Mac, or Chromebook are all fine.
Notable exceptions:
iPad, Android, and iOS devices CANNOT connect be use to connect to the vitals monitors (not even via Bluetooth).
Chromebooks and Macs CANNOT connect via Bluetooth. Bluetooth connections require a Windows computer.
It's important that your browser is updated to the latest version. Sometimes when you first get a new computer out of the box, the installed version can be old. So please ensure it is updated to the latest version.
Tablet-like computers
If you want a tablet form-factor, we recommend a tablet that runs Windows. This could be something like a Microsoft Surface, Lenovo Yoga, or similar.
Some of these will start out with a version of Windows running in something called "S Mode". You will need to take them out of this mode in order to install Chrome, but you can do that following these official instructions from Microsoft.
There are some chromebooks that are tablets. These work for wired connections, but don't work with our recommended bluetooth adapter for wireless connectivity.
Other things to keep in mind:
You will also need a special cable or wireless adapter that you can get from us. Please reach out to [email protected] to get a cable to connect with your specific monitor.
Or if you're in the market to upgrade your monitor we can help with that as well.
Specific computers we like and recommend:
We are often asked what computer you should get.
Generally, it's nice to have:
A real, physical keyboard for easy typing.
And a touch screen for signing with your finger, and quick taps on buttons.
Great battery life
Our go-to recommendations as of this writing, that have all these features tend to be Microsoft Surface products. They can also be purchased with built-in cellular connectivity so you always have internet acces. This can be really nice for mobile anesthesia providers:
Surface Go 3- cheaper tablet-like option. These can be bought with a built-in "hotspot" so you can add it to your wireless service provider as a device and just always be connected. This can be a good option for mobile providers. But you'll have to take it out of "S-Mode" to be able to install Chrome.
Surface Laptop 5: more of a laptop-like option
Surface 9 Pro: more of a "pro-level" tablet/computer.