Smartphone applications for pediatric anesthesia

Area of Science:

• Anesthesiology
• Medical Informatics
• Pediatric Medicine

Background:

• Smartphone applications are increasingly utilized in healthcare.
• The specific utility of these applications in pediatric anesthesia requires systematic evaluation.
• Existing literature lacks a comprehensive review of available pediatric anesthesia apps.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a comprehensive review of smartphone applications (apps) relevant to pediatric anesthesia.
• To identify and categorize the functionalities of these apps.
• To assess the potential impact of these apps on pediatric anesthesia practice.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature search across multiple databases (e.g., PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar).
• Inclusion criteria focused on apps specifically designed for or applicable to pediatric anesthesia.
• Data extraction included app features, target users, and reported benefits.

Main Results:

• A spectrum of apps was identified, ranging from drug dosage calculators to patient monitoring tools.
• Categorization revealed primary functions such as decision support, education, and data management.
• The review highlights both established and emerging applications in this niche field.

Conclusions:

• Smartphone applications offer promising tools to enhance pediatric anesthesia care.
• Further research is needed to validate the efficacy and safety of these applications.
• Integration of validated apps into clinical workflows could improve efficiency and patient outcomes.