Abstract
Use of hand-held technology, such as smartphones, in health care can provide a pocket-sized and instant means of accessing information and resources related to patient care. A review of the literature identified drawbacks to and benefits of using hand-held technology in the perioperative environment. Drawbacks that limit the use of hand-held technology include potential distraction from clinical activities, negative perceptions that smartphones will be used for activities not related to work such as cyberloafing, interference to patient privacy and infection control risks. Conversely the benefits of using hand-held technology include enhanced mobile learning at the point of care, easy and instant access to information and efficacious communications across hospital departments and professions. Recommendations for using hand-held technology as part of perioperative nurses’ digital literacy, learning and work enhancement include the development of policies to guide responsible use within the operating room.
Highlights
The use of hand-held technology has become ubiquitous in modern life[1]
The increasing availability and capability of handheld technology in health care requires a specialised workforce with an understanding of appropriate use of digital technology[3]
Giles-Smith et al.[14] explored nurses’ use of hand-held technologies and showed that access to and use of smartphones is already occurring in the clinical setting with a lack of leadership, role modelling or professional guidance about how to support and foster positive use of this technology to enhance patient care[14]
Summary
For many Australians, handheld technology is a necessity with nearly nine out of ten owning a smartphone[2]. Smartphones are so powerful they can supersede the need to use any other digital device. While computers are available in many clinical areas, access is often constrained and their use remains dedicated to patient management systems, diagnostics, pathology, sterile tracking systems and, more recently, electronic medical records. As with previous technological advancements, the use of smartphones presents unique social and professional opportunities and challenges. The increasing availability and capability of handheld technology in health care requires a specialised workforce with an understanding of appropriate use of digital technology[3]. While there has been a rapid evolution in smartphone technology with widespread application in health care, the development of guidelines and policies to govern their use has been slow to follow[4]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 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.
