[Smartphone use in nursing population: a narrative review]

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Technology
• Nursing Informatics
• Digital Health

Background:

• Smartphones are increasingly vital tools in healthcare for nurses.
• Potential exists to implement innovative care models using mobile technology.
• Incorrect smartphone use poses risks, including nurse distraction and nosocomial infections.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review literature on smartphone applications utilized by nurses.
• To analyze the positive and negative impacts of smartphones in healthcare settings.
• To understand the role of mobile technology in nursing practice.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature review was conducted.
• Searched databases included PubMed, CINAHL, SCOPUS, Web of Knowledge, and Google Scholar.
• Keywords focused on nurses, smartphones, and app usage, benefits, or distractions.

Main Results:

• 34 articles were included in the review.
• Identified apps for medical calculations, heart monitoring, and patient-nurse communication.
• Found smartphones can enhance well-being, job satisfaction, and productivity while decreasing stress, but also pose risks of distraction and infection.

Conclusions:

• Smartphone use presents significant potential benefits for nurses and patient care.
• Misuse of smartphones can negatively impact care quality and patient safety due to distractions.
• Nurses must exercise caution with non-work-related smartphone activities to mitigate risks.