Anaesthetists' use of medically related mobile device applications and the evaluation of those most commonly used

Abstract

Background: The use of mobile devices and medical software applications (apps) for mobile devices have been increasing amongst medical professionals. Medical apps can be used for a variety of functions and clinical decisions may be made based on the information provided by these apps. However these apps do not need to have a medical professional involved in the development before being made available for use. Little data could be found regarding app use amongst anaesthetists. Objectives: To describe anaesthetists in the Department of Anaesthesiology at the University of the Witwatersrand’s use of medically related mobile device applications and the assessment of the credibility of those most commonly used. Methods: Anonymous and self-administered questionnaires, requesting demographic data and information regarding apps used, were distributed among anaesthetists. From the participants list of apps the five most commonly used were assessed against a credibility template. Results: A total of 127 questionnaires (61% of the department) were distributed with 117 (92.1%) being returned. All participants owned a mobile device, the most popular brand being Apple. There were 99 (84.6%) participants who have used a medical app in their practice. Differences in app use were seen between different age groups, 88.0% in those less than 40 years vs 58.8% in those 40 years or older. More females than males (35.1% vs 22.0%) and more participants younger than 40 years (31.8% vs 10.0%) used an app daily. Daily use of apps varied from 0% to 33.3% among participants with different years of experience. The most commonly used apps were Medscape (61.6%), ECG Guide (10.1%), Qx Calculate (10.1%), The Oxford Handbook of Anaesthesiology (9.1%) and Pedistat (9.1%). Recommendation by a colleague influenced the choice of app in 40.9% of participants. The five most commonly used apps in the department all appeared credible. Conclusions: Mobile devices were owned by all participants and 84.6% made use of medical apps in their practice. The majority of participants used an app at least once a week with the older participants making less use of them. Medscape was the most frequently used app. The five most commonly used apps in the department all appear credible.