iMidwife: midwifery students’ use of smartphone technology as a mediated educational tool in clinical environments.

Background: The increasing use of smartphone technology in health care provides midwifery students with unprecedented access to online resources that facilitates the optimal care of women and supports ongoing learning. Problem: A small pilot study was conducted in Western Australia, with 29 undergra...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Publicado en:Contemporary Nurse: A Journal for the Australian Nursing Profession Vol. 54; no. 4/5; pp. 522 - 532
Autores principales: DeLeo, Annemarie, Geraghty, Sadie
Formato: research Journal Article
Publicado: Taylor & Francis Ltd Aug-Oct2018
Acceso en línea:Ver este registro en EBSCOhost
Descripción
Sumario:Background: The increasing use of smartphone technology in health care provides midwifery students with unprecedented access to online resources that facilitates the optimal care of women and supports ongoing learning. Problem: A small pilot study was conducted in Western Australia, with 29 undergraduate and postgraduate midwifery students to explore the use of smartphone technology whilst in clinical practice. Aim: This study aimed to define the impact of smartphones in clinical decision-making and learning whilst in clinical areas, by midwifery students at the point of care. Methods: An online survey was used to collect data. Findings: Five consistent themes were identified from the results. Smartphone technology encourages self-directed learning, consolidation of theory, engagement through blended learning, complements online education in clinical practice and is a trend in the future of midwifery curriculum. Conclusion: Smartphones enhance the learning and mobility of supportive resources that consolidate midwifery students’ clinical experience in workplace environments.