The iPad

Abstract

This research explored the impact of tablet technology, in the form of Apple iPads, on undergraduate nursing and midwifery students' learning outcomes. In simulated clinical learning environments, first-year nursing students (n = 30) accessed apps and reference materials on iPads. Third-year nursing students (n = 88) referred to clinical guidelines to aid their decision making when problem solving. First-year midwifery students (n = 25) filmed themselves undertaking a skill and then immediately played back the video file. A total of 45 students completed an online questionnaire that allowed for qualitative comments. Students reported finding the use of iPads easy and that iPads provided point-of-care access to resources, ensuring an evidence-based approach to clinical decision making. iPads reportedly improved student efficiency and time management, while improving their ability to provide patient education. Students who used iPads for the purpose of formative self-assessment appreciated the immediate feedback and opportunity to develop clinical skills.

Use of Mobile Devices to Access Resources Among Health Professions Students: A Systematic Review

“…The students also used the handheld device to answer patient questions promptly about their medication [28]. In a study of nursing students' experience with the PDA in a clinical setting, Johansson et al found that nearly half of the students used the PDA at the patient bedside.…”

“…Furthermore, there was a concern with text entry on mobile devices [24,26,34,37] using a virtual keyboard [25] and the small size screen inherent in tablet computers [34[. Another major concern was the cost associated with ownership of mobile devices [16,26,28,[30][31][32]40] and subscription to mobile applications [16,22,37,40]. Subscriptions to mobile applications, particularly subject content resources, imposed an additional burden to students, not to mention the financial cost incurred for renewing subscriptions.…”

“…These resources came in the forms of question banks, self-assessment applications [18,19,25], calculators [26,27], multimedia learning resources [16,24,28], or curriculum-related materials [24,[29][30][31]. In a study by Bruce-Low, et al, mobile learning devices for students to use (Samsung NC10 Netbook) were loaded with a video of an ECG technique incorporating multiple choice quizzes and interactive exercise [16].…”

“…Nursing students and midwifery students in one study reported that the use of the iPad assisted with their learning in the clinical laboratory and accessing information during simulation activities and saved them in printing lecture notes in preparation for the class [28]. When nursing students were surveyed about the iPod touch, an overwhelming majority felt it was useful and helpful in their learning [19].…”

“…Among the 20 articles, 15 studies addressed the portability that enabled users to carry the mobile devices to different settings and enhanced a variety of activities including using mobile devices to read learning materials in a classroom setting [25,28], check emails during clinical downtime [28,34], make remote diagnosis when a diagnostic workstation was unavailable [37], and make notes at bedsides during patient encounters [17, 25,28]. All selected studies reported the advantage of instant access to a variety of resources via mobile devices, particularly when being away from workstations.…”