Use of Smartphones for Clinical and Medical Education

Introduction: Smartphones for clinical and medical education have been on the rise and show contribution to healthcare and healthcare providers. Smartphones in healthcare facilities has been examined for utilization and efficacy, however, although the advantages are abundant some healthcare facilities and providers are reluctant to change due to threat of mixing personal apps with clinical care applications, distraction to the provider using the smartphone which has led to medication errors followed by errors linked to procedures, treatments, or tests. The purpose of this research was to examine the effects of smartphones in a clinical setting and for medical education to determine the impact of smartphones. Methodology: The methodology for this qualitative study was a literature review. Five electronic databases were pinpointed. The search was limited to articles published between 2010 and 2014 in the English language to keep the research study current, 41 sources were referenced for this literature review. Results: This literature review examined several studies and states’ the implementation and barriers of the use of smartphones for clinical and medical educational environment. Smartphones was demonstrated to have more positive effects than negative on the ability to enhance patient care and medical education. An abundance of resources were able to support the results to the findings. Discussion/Conclusion: Utilization of smartphones is discussed as the newest and most effective and efficient method of patient care and medical education in the healthcare industry. Benefits of increased access and quality of care are further discussed