Usefulness of Mobile Devices in Learning Process for Residents of Pediatric Surgical Specialties

Abstract

IntroductionIn the hospital setting, the use of mobile devices among surgical residents is increasing. To assess the usefulness of mobile devices for residents of pediatric surgical specialties. Materials and methodsThe study used a mixed-method design. First, a self-developed online questionnaire with 23 items was used to obtain quantitative data, which was analyzed via simple discriminant analysis. Qualitative data were obtained using the focus group technique with the subsequent triangulation of quantitative and qualitative data. ResultsThe residents used mobile devices for learning and communication. Using quantitative data, the study found that the major functions of mobile devices were communicating with other residents and taking clinical photos, and that for learning, were speaking with attendings, residents, collecting patient information, and searching for unfamiliar terms. Triangulation analysis confirmed that mobile devices aid in agile communication, the search for data on drugs or diseases, and consultation of medical applications. Qualitative data informed the limitations of devices and the inconsistencies between official regulations and their advantages in clinical practice. ConclusionsWe demonstrate the usefulness of mobile devices among surgical residents in clinical care and recommend that hospitals should regulate policies to maximize the use of mobile devices.