Mobile learning: a workforce development strategy for nurse supervisors.

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Education
• Digital Health
• Workforce Development

Background:

• Digital technology offers mobile learning opportunities in healthcare.
• Innovation is needed to enhance clinical supervisor skills in mobile learning adoption.
• The National Workforce Development Strategy emphasizes continuous learning for health professionals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the use of digital technology by clinical supervisors.
• To evaluate Web 2.0 technology for a clinical supervision community of practice.
• To assess clinician readiness for virtual communities and mobile learning.

Main Methods:

• An online survey was conducted with clinicians to gather feedback on Web 2.0 technology use.
• Data collection focused on social media usage, understanding of Web 2.0 tools (blogs, wikis), and smartphone ownership.
• Participant willingness to join a virtual community of practice and preferred information frequency was assessed.

Main Results:

• Over 90% of respondents use social media; 85% understand blogs and wikis.
• Approximately 50% of clinicians own smartphones.
• Over a third expressed interest in a virtual community of practice and weekly updates.

Conclusions:

• Healthcare environments face both barriers and opportunities for workforce development through mobile learning.
• Supporting nurses requires integrated approaches enabling in-situ mobile learning.
• Flexible, collaborative continuing professional development can improve practice and workforce development.