Praxis
 | What is Praxis? |
| How do I install Praxis? |
| How do I use Praxis? |
| Advanced User Notes |
| Version updates |
What is Praxis?
Praxis is our new procedure log. This has superceded ProLog. The program has been significantly updated and is now much more powerful and flexible. We made this complete redesign for several reasons - details available here.
Praxis goes beyond the usual simple data recording of procedures that is offered by many other programs. Data collection with a central server is now semi-automated and can be done over any internet connection. We worked hard on effective data collection so that:
| data is securely stored in a central location |
| less data is lost from machine failure, flat batteries etc |
| program directors can evaluate the logs |
| users can evaluate their logs using powerful desktop tools |
Praxis offers a very extensive evaluation module. Multiple evaluations can be performed on one procedure. The module asks for different types of data, depending on the evaluator's role. Evaluators can be teachers, peers, nursing staff, patients or even self-evaluation. Evaluations cannot be modified after entry so directors can be sure of authenticity.
Praxis also acts as a repository of useful teaching tips. All users, teachers, staff etc accumulate a wealth of little tips and pearls about procedures over time. Praxis provides a mechanism to gather, collate and redistribute these pearls. Tips can be entered or edited by any user for any procedure. Tips are categorised under various areas such as Indications, Outcomes, Equipment, Anatomy, Patient Advice. Tips are also gathered to the central server, collated and then the best of these are redistributed to all users in the program.
How do I install Praxis?
Praxis is not yet available for general or commercial distribution. The installation files are usually sent directly to the Unit Directors and can then be easily installed on users' devices.
The installation steps are quite straightforward but will vary slightly with each version update as the program develops. Please ensure to consult the correct installation notes for each update.
How do I use Praxis?
Praxis has proven to be quite straightforward to use for simple procedure logging. Some of the more sophisticated features may require you to read the manual. On-device help is available by tapping on the Tools | Help menu but users can also consult this online help manual in the meantime.
We also have a PowerPoint presentation that you can download and peruse offline. It is not identical to this online manual - some users may prefer its layout.
Advanced User Notes
Some of the more advanced features that will be built into Praxis will take a few iterations to perfect. Consult this area for the most recent notes about some of these features.
Version Updates
As with all dynamically evolving software, Praxis will undergo a series of evolutionary steps. Partly this is due to the very new programming environment from Microsoft - we are very fortunate to have access to the latest beta versions of these development tools, which allows us to bring new sophisticated features to Praxis users ahead of the rest of the industry. The nature of beta software means that there are more updates and changes. However, this does allow users to send us comments, feedback etc and be closely involved in improving the program.
Note that you need more than just this file in order to run Praxis - you also need some additional runtime files installed first. This means that you cannot just download this file and expect Praxis to run - use these files for updating existing installations of Praxis, on a machine where it has been installed before.
| Version | Date | Comments |
| 2.3 | 31/7/03 | Wider proc list. Find feature |
| 2.2 | 1/7/03 | Complete overhaul - not backwards compatible |
| 2.0 | 4/6/03 | Has security bug. Will not sync with server |
| 1.8 | 31/3/03 | Stable but problems with v2.0 cause this to not sync as well |
| .NetCF | 3/7/03 | .Net runtime files. Need to be installed once. (except PocketPC 2003 devices) |
To download the update, simply click on the link above and save the zip file to your desktop. Expand the files into a folder on your desktop. Then see above for installation instructions.