Degree Name

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Document Type

Major Paper

School

School of Nursing

Department

Nursing

Date of Original Version

12-4-2018

Abstract

The number of smartphones in use around the world is increasing daily, as are the apps that are available. Apps are being designed to aid in many aspects of health care practice, including anesthesia, to augment care of patients. The purpose of this study was to ascertain whether student registered nurse anesthetist (SRNAs) enrolled in Rhode Island College School of Nursing/ St. Joseph Hospital School of Nurse Anesthesia program were using smartphones routinely in their practice, if they were using anesthesia-specific smartphone applications (apps), and if so, what types of apps they were using. Rogers’ Diffusion of Innovations (2003) was the theoretical framework that guided this non-experimental quantitative descriptive study. Following review by the Rhode Island College IRB, 12 participants completed a survey developed by the researcher. Of the respondents, 100% reported using apps to assist in clinical practice, seven participants reported using drug specific apps more than seven times a week, and nine participants reported using apps for case specific information more than seven times a week. The decision to include anesthesia apps as part of a SRNAs clinical practice is one that each clinician must make based on knowledge, experience, and evidence-based care. However, further research is needed to understand the role of smartphone apps in anesthesia care by SRNAs and CRNAs.

Included in

Nursing Commons

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