Abstract
Introduction: Usage of smart phones have become an integral part of the professional and personal lives
of the population worldwide. Though the usage of smart phones applications has increased the efciency
in the workplace, it can also be a signicant distraction to the patient care. Objective: The objective of this study is to determine
whether the use of smart phone among anesthetists during patient care improves or provides distraction in patient care.
Results: The present study has shown that the prevalence of smart phone usage was 85.7%. The purpose of smart phone usage
in increasing order of their frequency was internet surng, phone calls, Messaging and usage of social media. Only 33.3% of the
hospitals in which the study participants work had smart phone usage restriction inside the operation theatre and 27.6% had
restriction except for communications. Conclusion: Smartphone usage result in increased reaction time, decreased focus and
reduced behavioural performance during cognitive tasks. Hence its usage has to be strictly needed basis during the intraoperative period.