A Study of the Impact of an Educational Intervention on Nurse Attitudes and Behaviours toward Mobile Device Use in Hospital Settings

Abstract

Introduction: Mobile devices provide nurses with access to evidence-based information at the bedside through software applications (apps). Librarians encourage app use by purchasing licenses and promoting their features. While many high-quality nursing apps exist, there is inconsistency in published reports on whether nurses use them in patient care. The aim of this research is to describe the use of mobile devices and apps by nurses at two urban hospitals and to examine the impact of educational sessions led by hospital librarians and educators on nurse usage, attitudes, and behaviour as they relate to mobile devices and apps. Methods: Phase I consisted of a descriptive, cross-sectional survey of inpatient nurses to determine mobile device and app use and attitudes. Phase II involved a one-group pre-and post-test design to examine the impact of educational sessions led by librarians and hospital educators on nurse attitudes, usage, and behaviours. A postintervention focus group captured thoughts on using mobile devices and apps at the bedside. Results: Results indicate that most nurses who have a personal mobile device are interested in using them to access apps at the bedside though few are currently doing so. While nurses cite many conveniences and uses, they also highlight a number of barriers associated with using mobile devices that must be addressed in order to realize the benefits in patient-centred care. Discussion: Hospital librarians and educators should work together to provide the education and support nurses require to realize the benefits of using devices and apps at the bedside. Larger studies are needed to determine the impact of educational sessions on patient and health provider satisfaction with mobile device and app use.

Information literacy skills and training of licensed practical nurses in Alberta, Canada: results of a survey

“…(), Giles‐Smith et al. () and Grabowsky () also found that seeking drug information was amongst the top reasons nurses use mobile devices in the workplace. Wahoush and Banfield () note the reported use of mobile devices ‘may represent a trend towards point of care/bedside access to information for nurses and other health professionals’ with ‘potential risks and benefits for patient care’ (p. 212).…”

“…Related to this, many LPNs described seeking and accessing information on mobile devices through apps or websites. Recent studies (Doyle, Furlong & Secco, ; Giles‐Smith, Spencer, Shaw, Porter & Lobchuk, ; Grabowsky, ; Lindsay, Oelschlegel & Earl, ; Wahoush & Banfield, ) suggest this is an emerging area where training and resources provided through the library can be utilised, as many vendors such as the Canadian Pharmacists Association and EBSCOHost have developed mobile applications for their health care database products. Doyle et al.…”

Nurses? use of smartphones for work purposes in the Philippines : predictors, outcomes, and issues

“…Moreover, Nilsson, Skär, and Söderberg (2010) described that nurses used their smartphones to make them more accessible to patients particularly to those with chronic illnesses and limited mobility. Likewise, previous studies also found that the advantages of using smartphones for work purposes can bring about more confidence in performing clinical duties, stress reduction, and enhanced patient safety and quality of care (Chiang & Wang, 2016;Giles-Smith, Spencer, Shaw, Porter, & Lobchuk, 2017;Johansson et al, 2014;Sharpe & Hemsley, 2016).…”

“…On the contrary, nurses' use of smartphones for work purposes also came with several negative perceptions. Studies noted that one of the key disadvantages of using it is work distraction (Giles- Smith, Spencer, Shaw, Porter, & Lobchuk, 2017;McBride et al, 2015a;Mobasheri et al, 2015;Moore & Jayewardene, 2014). Accordingly, smartphones serve as distractions by taking away nurses' focus from the patient (Johansson, Petersson, Saveman, & Nilsson, 2014;McNally, Frey & Crossan, 2017;Moore & Jayewardene, 2014).…”

“…professionalism (Brandt, Katsma, Crayton & Pingenot, 2016;McNally et al, 2017). As an attempt to maintain a professional image, nurses avoided using their smartphones in front of their patients since they can be accused of using it for personal reasons even it is used entirely for work purposes (Giles-Smith et al, 2017;Johansson et al, 2014;Stephens et al, 2017).…”