Academic use of smartphones among medical students in Pakistan

Abstract

This study examined the use of smartphones as an academic tool amongst medical students from a developing country context. The study also aimed at identifying the perceived benefits and barriers to using smartphones in medical education. A cross sectional survey was administered to the students from nine medical institutes in Pakistan. A structured questionnaire was self-administered to 270 students from MBBS program. Data were analyzed using SPSS 23. All the respondents owned a smartphone. They used smartphones to browse the Internet to find medical information (100%), to share educational material (90%), and to take notes (79%). Easy and speedy access to information and improvement in study skills were the major benefits, while limited wireless access, small screen, and lack of awareness about medical resources were the main barriers. The students had a positive attitude towards smartphone as an academic tool. Smartphones use is likely to increase with the emergence of new developments in terms of design, medical apps and educational resources.