iPad use in hospitals is still a contentious topic in the healthcare IT realm. Healthcare IT News asked its readers if they think the iPad is ready for healthcare, and found that for many, the time for the iPad has arrived.

Nearly half of respondents think that the iPad is ready for healthcare. Many hospitals have shown initiative in providing their doctors with iPads, and the recent launch of the iPad2 garnered praise from many healthcare IT leaders, such as John Halamka, MD.

[Related story: iPad2 looks even better for docs.]

Perhaps concerned that the iPad is not durable enough for use in a busy hospital, 23% of respondents think that the iPad’s hardware is not ready for healthcare. On the other hand, 19% believe that it is the user interface that needs more work before healthcare providers will embrace the iPad.

Only 10% revealed concerns about the cost of the iPad – until it becomes less expensive, they say, it is not ready for healthcare.