Nurses' Use of mHealth Functions

Abstract

Nurses' use of mHealth remains largely unexplored despite enthusiasm for its use in health systems. We conducted a survey (n341) to examine nurses' use of mHealth technologies in Canada; this paper presents findings of sub questions within a larger study. Differences in common mHealth functions used by nurses were examined by population setting (large urban centre, medium centre, small centre, and rural area) and type of organization (hospital, community health, nursing home or long-term care, and other). A significant difference by population setting was found in the use of the mHealth functions to support decision making. Significant differences by type of organization were found in the use of the mHealth functions for care plans, outside communication, general/basic documentation, accessing information resources, and 'other' functions. Results from this study are the first to provide details of the current state and nature of nurses' use of mHealth.