Unmet informatics needs of nurses regarding the use of personal smartphones in the workplace

Personal digital technology use among practicing Registered Nurses and Registered Practical Nurses

Many clinicians are using their personal digital devices (such as smartphones) while at work for personal and professional purposes. The purpose of this research was to understand how Ontario nurses used their own digital devices within the workplace. Reported here are the findings from the on-line questionnaire of a mixed methods design. Participants (N = 169) had a mean age of 41 years, were mostly female, and with an average of 15.2 years of nursing experience. Most (73%) used their own device within the workplace for pragmatic reasons (telling time), patient care (accessing information, drug management, and administration), and communication among the healthcare team. This research offers emerging insight into how personally owned devices are being integrated into healthcare practices and highlighted tensions among workplace efficiency and enhanced team communication. This research supports the development of guidelines for personal device use within healthcare settings.