Mobile devices, learning and clinical workplaces : Medical student use of smartphones in Parisian hospitals

• Published in: British journal of educational technology 2017-11, Vol.48 (6), p.1330-1344
• Main Authors: Phelps, Megan, Scott, Karen M., Chauffeté‐Manillier, Martine, Lenne, Frédéric, Le Jeunne, Claire
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Clinical experience; Demographics; Descartes; Digital media; Educational Technology; Electronic devices; Foreign Countries; Handheld Devices; Hospitals; Just in time; Learning; Medical education; Medical electronics; Medical Students; Mobile communication systems; Mobile learning; Mobile technology; Mobile telephones; Qualitative Research; Smart phones; Smartphones; Social Media; Statistical Analysis; Student Surveys; Students; Supervisors; Surveys; Technology Uses in Education; Telecommunications; Workplaces
• ISSN: 0007-1013; 1467-8535
• DOI: 10.1111/bjet.12477

Mobile devices are ubiquitous worldwide, including in hospitals. 'Just in time' learning provided by these devices is important for students. We investigated current use of, and learning with, smartphones and other mobile devices by medical students in Parisian hospitals. A survey with quantitative and qualitative items previously used with students from an Australian medical school was translated to French and adapted. The voluntary survey was delivered online to Université Paris Descartes students. A total 854 medical students from across the final 5 years of the program completed the survey. The mean age was 22 years and 90% identified as French, matching the demographic pattern of the student body. Of 976 devices used by these students, 43% were iPhones and 32% another smartphone. Students accessed the Internet regularly or often, more for medically relevant than unrelated information-49% versus 16.5%. Almost half of respondents reported never accessing social media during clinical placements. Students agreed they used mobile devices for improving learning, knowledge and skills, but less for timetabling and communication. Reactions of supervisors, patients and families were concerning. Only 3.3% of respondents did not use a mobile device in clinical settings. These findings have implications for Francophone and all health professional schools. [Author abstract]