Mobile app-based point of care information summary tools for allied health professionals: a scoping review
Eloise Wiffen1, Monica Ding21University Of Queensland – Faculty of Medicine, Herston, QLD, Australia2University of Queensland – School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
Abstract
Background: Mobile application (app) based POC summary tools provide user-friendly interfaces that enhance the retrieval and application of evidence-based health research in clinical practice and facilitate timely patient care decisions. The availability and quality of such resources has increased in recent years, however medical practitioners remain the primary target users. No studies have explored the use of mobile app-based POC tools among allied health providers.
Aims: This study aimed to identify and evaluate available POC information summary apps which incorporate allied health-related content.
Methods: A literature search was conducted across five electronic databases (CINAHL Complete, EMBASE, MEDLINE Complete, Google Scholar and PubMed). Inclusion criteria consisted of: evidence-based information summary product with allied health-related content, accessibility via mobile app (either iOS and/or Android), availability in Australia, and English language. Data were extracted on the technical characteristics, content and allied health relevance of these tools.
Results: 11 POC mobile apps containing varying degrees of allied health-related content were identified. Most apps did not include specific sections pertaining to allied health, rather this content was incorporated across different medical topics.
Several tools provided drug information relevant to pharmacists. Dynamic Health included a notable allied health skills section and DynaMed incorporated recommendations for allied health providers into its disease management summaries.
Conclusion: Whilst several mobile app-based POC tools exist, these are mainly targeted towards doctors and nurses, with limited allied health relevance. Further studies investigating allied health users’ perspectives on such tools may inform the development of POC apps with greater allied health utility.
Biography
Eloise is a final year medical student currently based at the University of Queensland Rural Clinical School in Hervey Bay. They are passionate about LGBTIQ+ healthcare and rural and remote medicine.
Monica has an extensive research and academic background across emergency, surgery and dermatology. She is passionate in supporting nurses and midwives to access accurate clinical information and transferring evidence into practice.