Abstract

MOBILE HEALTH IN PRACTICE: A GLIMPSE INTO APP USAGE AMONG HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS AND STUDENTS AT A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL - A PILOT STUDY

Ajimy P. Yoosuf*, Angela Thankam Johnson, Sana N., Shifna E. P., Nikhila T., Dr. Pallavi

ABSTRACT

Technological advancement enhances patient care and education via mobile apps, serving diverse healthcare functions like disease management, self-promotion, clinical decisions, and patient education. Mobile phones and mobile health (mHealth) applications have emerged as powerful tools that hold the potential to revolutionize the way healthcare is delivered and managed. The objective of this study is to assess the usability, feasibility and acceptability of smartphones and applications among healthcare professionals and students using questionnaire survey. A pilot study was conducted to evaluate mobile phone and health app usability among healthcare professionals and students in a tertiary care hospital, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, DNB residents, pharmacy, nursing, and paramedical students using a questionnaire survey among 86 participants. Results showed that in our study of 86 respondents, all owned smartphones. 39.5% used them for work over 10 times daily, mostly on Android (58.1%). 97.7% used smartphones for calls, apps, and browsing; 2.3% for calls only. Notably, 5.8% used them in theatres, 26.7% at bedsides, 32.6% in study areas, 16.3% during rounds, and 18.6% in doctors' rooms. About medical apps, 46.5% had 1-2, 19.8% had 3-4, 9.3% had >5, and 24.4% had none. 86% never paid for apps, but 14% did. 65.9% used app info for clinical decisions, and 94.2% found medical apps valuable for patient care, with 5.8% differing in opinion. In conclusion, our study underscores the widespread adoption of smartphones and mobile health apps, particularly among healthcare professionals for informed decision-making.

Keywords: mhealth, technology, smartphones, applications.