Mobile app use by medical students and residents in the clinical setting: an exploratory study

Abstract

Introduction: Mobile devices and mobile applications facilitate access to clinical evidence at the point-of-care. Medical libraries play an important role in medical trainees' education, by subscribing to quality resources and by providing help and guidance on what apps to use. This study’s goal was to explore medical trainees' mobile applications use in the clinical setting to help inform collection development’s decisions and to provide insight on educational outreach. Perceived barriers and benefits of medical app use by clinical trainees was also explored.

Methods: A brief online survey (English and French) was sent to all University of Ottawa clerkship medical students and residents. The questionnaire consisted of multiple choices, Likert-scale, and open-ended questions.

Results: 208 English and 9 French responses were received. UpToDate was the most frequently used app, followed by MedCalc, Spectrum (CHEO) and Medscape. Respondents used medical apps mostly before and after meeting with patients and rarely while interacting with patients. Main benefits identified of medical app use were helping with decision-making, quick access to trustworthy clinical information, help with diagnosis and treatment options (e.g. medication dosage, drug interaction). Main barriers identified were costs, appearing unprofessional, lack of Canadian content and spotty hospital WiFi.

Conclusion: Libraries' involvement in providing access to trustworthy clinical resources to medical trainees is important to help shape trainees' development as medical professionals. Outreach to learners in the clinical setting is crucial to educate on what apps are available to them through the library collection.