Policy recommendations on nurses' use of smartphones in the Philippines

Abstract

Background: One key technology that has a significant implication on how nurses communicate and share information is the mobile phone, particularly the smartphone. However, its use for clinical work should be regulated by policies to minimize risks and maximize benefits.

Objective: To present policy recommendations on nurses' use of smartphones that are applicable in the context of clinical work in the Philippines.

Materials and method: The policy recommendations were developed by synthesizing findings of a mixed-method research on nurses' use of smartphones in the Philippines conducted from January to July 2017.

Results: The four policy recommendations are: (1) improving existing technologies to reduce smartphone usage, (2) providing adequate unit phones and service credits, (3) implementing realistic policies, and (4) educating nurses on the implications of using smartphones at work.

Discussion and conclusion: Although these recommendations might not be ideal considering that smartphone use also presents drawbacks, a pragmatic decision to allow nurses to use it for communication and information seeking purposes can help enhance the quality of care given to patients and nurses' work productivity in settings with scarce manpower and technology. Nonetheless, hospitals should find these recommendations as a temporary solution, and they should strive to come up with a long-term solution of providing nurses with appropriate technologies to facilitate clinical work.

Keywords: Mobile health; Nurse administrators; Philippines; Policy; Smartphone.