Impact of using mobile handheld technology in health care delivery: a systematic review

Martins, Diogo Rafael Bento

http://hdl.handle.net/10400.8/2480

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Authors

Martins, Diogo Rafael Bento

Advisor(s)

Rodrigues, Pedro Pereira

Correia, Ricardo João Cruz

Abstract(s)

Objectives: To systematically review studies assessing the impact of using mobile handheld technology in health care delivery, since their use has been growing exponentially in the last years, and it seems to have beneficial effects, not only for health professionals, but also for patients and institutions. Methods: This systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Electronic databases including MEDLINE, PubMed, ISI Web of Knowledge, and Scopus were searched for papers published between 2000 and 2016. All study designs were considered for inclusion. Data was extracted from each study regarding study sample characteristics, design, and main results. Quality of included studies was appraised using the QATSDD 16-item quality assessment tool. Results: From 2426 abstracts, 39 were deemed eligible for inclusion, and evidence for the effectiveness of using handheld technology in health care delivery was obtained. Ten (26%) studies reported outcomes concerning clinical issues (medication prescription and clinical decision support), 7 (18%) studied team management issues (communication and time management), 7 (18%) information management issues, and 22 (56%) exposed evidence regarding patterns of use. The majority of studies found benefits for all of these issues. Studies, however, presented low quality scores (median=21, range=11-32). Main conclusions: The use of handheld technology in health care delivery appeared to be effective in promoting a wide range of clinical, team management, and information management dimensions. However, further studies with higher levels of quality and assessing different outcomes are needed in order to consolidate the scientific evidence regarding its effectiveness in health care delivery.