a review of current and potential use among physicians
and students
Errol Ozdalga1*, MD; Ark Ozdalga2*, BS; Neera Ahuja1*, MD
1Stanford University Hospital, Stanford, CA, United States
2(not affiliated with an institution), San Jose, CA, United States
*all authors contributed equally
Corresponding Author:
Errol Ozdalga, MD
Stanford University Hospital
MC 5209
300 Pasteur Dr
Stanford, CA, 94305
United States
Phone: 1 4084992117
Fax: 1 8885617051
Email: eozdalga [at] stanford.edu
ABSTRACT
Background: Advancements in technology have always had major
impacts in medicine. The smartphone is one of the most ubiquitous
and dynamic trends in communication, in which one’s mobile phone
can also be used for communicating via email, performing Internet
searches, and using specific applications. The smartphone is one
of the fastest growing sectors in the technology industry, and its
impact in medicine has already been significant.
Objective: To provide a comprehensive and up-to-date summary of
the role of the smartphone in medicine by highlighting the ways in
which it can enhance continuing medical education, patient care,
and communication. We also examine the evidence base for this
technology.
Methods: We conducted a review of all published uses of the
smartphone that could be applicable to the field of medicine and
medical education with the exclusion of only surgical-related uses.
Results: In the 60 studies that were identified, we found many uses
for the smartphone in medicine; however, we also found that very
few high-quality studies exist to help us understand how best to
use this technology.
Conclusions: While the smartphone’s role in medicine and
education appears promising and exciting, more high-quality
studies are needed to better understand the role it will have in this
field. We recommend popular smartphone applications for
physicians that are lacking in evidence and discuss future
studies to support their use.
(J Med Internet Res 2012;14(5):e128)
doi:10.2196/jmir.1994
Texto completo disponible aquí
Imagen tomada de aquí