QR codes as mobile learning tools for labor room nurses at the San Pablo Colleges Medical Center

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the use of QR codes as mobile learning tools and examine factors that impact on their usefulness, acceptability and feasibility in assisting the nurses’ learning.Design/methodology/approachStudy participants consisted of 14 regular, full-time, board-certified LR nurses. Over a two-week period, participants used specially generated QR codes to access a mobile website, connect to physicians’ telephone numbers and access alphanumeric text information. Research data in the form of observations and insights on their experience in using the QR codes were collected from participants through individual, face-to-face, semi-structured interviews.FindingsFindings revealed that QR codes encoded with text information, telephone numbers and URL links to the mobile website all demonstrated a high level of functionality, usability and usefulness. The majority of the participants liked the experience of using the QR codes, citing ease of use of the QR codes; a high level of satisfaction in the kind and amount of supplementary medical information accessed; and the favorable effect the QR codes had on their personal learning.Research limitations/implicationsThe study focused on the evaluation of usefulness, acceptability and feasibility due to the limited time available for the conduct of the study.Practical implicationsThese findings support the acceptability and feasibility of using QR codes as mobile learning tools in the labor room.Social implicationsIt shows the QR codes’ potential for use in a workplace environment in the context of just-in-time learning and continuing nursing education.Originality/valueThe current literature on the use of QR codes in medical and nursing education is limited.