Impact of a Streamlined Trauma-Focused Smartphone Application on Protocol Compliance and Delivery of Care

In November 2015, an institution-specific mobile application (app) was created to provide rapid access to trauma protocols. The app was tested, and the results suggested that the app was difficult to use as it linked to web-based databases. In June 2018, the app was redesigned with protocol infographics and algorithms that are available offline, eliminating the need to scroll through web pages. We tested the redesigned app's ability to provide information quickly, in a user-friendly manner.

This was a prospective, experimental analysis of a streamlined, institution-specific trauma app. Participants included general surgery residents, advanced practice providers, and attending trauma surgeons. The primary outcomes of measure were time to complete an exam with trauma scenarios and the number of questions answered correctly. The primary exposure of interest was access to the app during the exam.

There were 35 study participants: 17 with the 2018 version of the app to complete the quiz and 18 without app access. The group with access scored higher than those without access (70% versus 50%, P = 0.0005) as well as those with the old version of the app in the 2015 study (70% versus 55%, P = 0.0250). App access eliminated a significant difference in exam scores between residents and attendings that was present without the app.

A mobile app with offline access to protocol infographics and algorithms gives providers access to recommended practices and may improve delivery of trauma care. The app is helpful to residents and helps bridge the knowledge gap between groups when the app is not available.

Level III.