Adopting mobile health applications by nurses: a scoping review

Abstract

Background The concept of mobile health has attracted considerable attention across the globe, as it provides both healthcare professionals and patients with a distinct means of information and resources. Aim This study was conducted with the aim of utilising mobile health (mHealth) applications by nurses and presenting a scenario of how and why they are utilised. Methods This study was a scoping review. Data collection was carried out by searching the related keywords in Google Scholar, Scopus, Cochrane, EMBASE, Ovid, and PubMed databases from January 2000 to March 2019. Results Regarding the reasons for using mobile applications by nurses, five objectives were identified, including learning and knowledge enhancement, treatment and improvement of the patient care process, diagnostic process, data and patient management, and health promotion. Effective factors in the nurses’ use of mobile applications were categorised into eight themes: ease of use, usefulness, security and confidentiality, feasibility and functionality, design and use—interface, effectiveness, infrastructure, versatility, and social norms. Conclusions Mobile health applications have considerable potential in enhancing nurses’ professional activities. This study contributes to both nursing and health policy by providing a scenario of how and why nurses use mobile health applications.