Abstract
ObjectiveInvestigators implemented the Rural Information Connection (RIC) project, a library-initiated deployment of iPad Mini 3s for third-year medical students who were enrolled in a seven-month rural longitudinal integrated clerkship (LIC) rotation. The research aims were to determine if devices preloaded with high-quality mobile health apps enhanced the experience and increased access to and awareness of mobile health information resources for the enrolled project participants.MethodsNine participants enrolled in this mixed methods research project. Pre- and post-survey and structured learning journals (SLJs) were used for data collection on device and app use. Descriptive statistics and thematic coding analysis included data from seven pre-surveys, nine post-surveys, and sixty-four SLJ prompts. The validated Technology Acceptance Model instrument was also incorporated to gauge the devices’ integration into the participants’ workflow.ResultsThe investigation indicated that the iPad Mini 3 and resources were utilized and integrated at varying levels in the participants’ workflow. Reported use of health information apps suggests a preference for broad-based information sources rather than specific or specialized information resources. Participants performed several tasks on the device, including seeking background information, educating patients, and managing rotation schedules. Participant reflections indicated positive experiences utilizing the device and health information resources, which enhanced their rural LIC rotations.ConclusionsThe research analysis demonstrates the information-seeking behavior of medical students immersed in a rural environment and indicates an acceptance of mobile technology into the workflow of participants in this project. Mobile device deployments offer great opportunities for librarians to design innovative programming in medical education.
Highlights
Health care professionals practicing in rural environments often express the need for point-ofcare health information, while simultaneously having limited access to the funding for resources that are required to answer their clinical questions [1,2,3,4]
Providing access to clinical information tools to achieve both educational and clinical care objectives presents an opportunity to support students who are engaged in training in longitudinal integrated clerkships (LICs) and rural environments using mobile technologies and relevant health information applications [6, 7]
Many health sciences libraries are engaging with the mobile device environment by creating mobile app guides and websites, providing mobile device instruction, and lending devices for curriculum and personal use [21,22,23,24,25,26,27]. The authors, both faculty librarians, desired to support LICs and rural health care education, and based on our previous experience managing mobile devices and supporting mobile access to resources in an academic health sciences library, we developed a project called the “Rural Information Connection (RIC)” to improve access to high-quality mobile information resources for one of the most unique clerkships on campus
Summary
Health care professionals practicing in rural environments often express the need for point-ofcare health information, while simultaneously having limited access to the funding for resources that are required to answer their clinical questions [1,2,3,4]. Preparing medical students and residents prior to practicing in such an environment is critical to providing health care in rural communities [5]. 107 (1) January 2019 jmla.mlanet.org second (Mbps) service, indicating that there continued to be a “persistent urban/rural disparity” in broadband Internet access [8]. This disparity impacts physicians, small rural practices, and rural hospitals. According to the Assessment of Broadband Needs of Health Care Providers, rural providers were interested in using health information technologies to implement telehealth/telemedicine but lacked access to or had insufficient budgets to pay for the necessary broadband connections [8]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
