Smartphone in the Palm of A Nurse: The Perspective of the Patient

Objective: To provide important insight into the perception of patients on the use of smartphones by nurses during working hours. Method: An explorative descriptive qualitative approach was used. Semi-structured interviews were conducted for 15 participants. Thematic content analysis was used to analyze transcribed interviews. Results: Lack of attention leading to harmful occurrences such as errors and neglect, unprofessionalism and breach of privacy were key effects of mobile phone use by nurses during working hours. The study highlights the need to restrict the use of personal mobile phones during working hours. Conclusion: Smartphones have witnessed high health-facility penetration over the past years. The study highlights the need for balancing the benefits of smartphones with patient safety, privacy and efficiency at work. The use of smartphones contributes to lack of attention leading to harmful occurrences such as errors and neglect, unprofessionalism, breach of privacy and confidentiality. The study highlights the need to restrict the use of personal mobile phones during working hours.