The Role of Mobile Applications in Enhancing Patient Education by Nurses: A Review

Abstract

Background: Patient safety is a critical concern in healthcare, necessitating effective communication and education strategies among nursing professionals. The integration of mobile applications (mHealth) has the potential to enhance patient education, thereby improving safety outcomes.

Methods: This review systematically examined the role of mobile applications in enhancing patient safety culture among nurses. A thorough literature search was conducted across databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and CINAHL, focusing on publications from 2006 to 2023. The search utilized key terms including "mobile app," "patient safety," and "nurse."

Results: The findings indicated that while mobile applications can facilitate real-time data collection, provide educational resources, and improve communication, their adoption in clinical practice remains limited. Key benefits identified include enhanced access to clinical information, improved patient monitoring, and support for decision-making. However, barriers such as resistance to new technology, concerns over data security, and insufficient training were also highlighted. Most studies focused on patient outcomes rather than the impact on nursing practices, revealing a gap in the literature regarding nurses' engagement with these technologies.

Conclusion: The findings underscore the need for a comprehensive evaluation of mobile applications to assess their effectiveness in improving patient safety culture among nurses. Although mHealth technologies show promise, more robust research is required to understand their long-term impacts and to facilitate their integration into routine nursing practice. Addressing the barriers to adoption and focusing on nurse-specific applications will be essential for enhancing patient safety.