iMidwife: midwifery students' use of smartphone technology as a mediated educational tool in clinical environments.

BACKGROUND

The increasing use of smartphone technology in health care provides midwifery students with unprecedented access to online resources that facilitates the optimal care of women and supports ongoing learning.

PROBLEM

A small pilot study was conducted in Western Australia, with 29 undergraduate and postgraduate midwifery students to explore the use of smartphone technology whilst in clinical practice.

AIM

This study aimed to define the impact of smartphones in clinical decision-making and learning whilst in clinical areas, by midwifery students at the point of care.

METHODS

An online survey was used to collect data.

FINDINGS

Five consistent themes were identified from the results. Smartphone technology encourages self-directed learning, consolidation of theory, engagement through blended learning, complements online education in clinical practice and is a trend in the future of midwifery curriculum.

CONCLUSION

Smartphones enhance the learning and mobility of supportive resources that consolidate midwifery students' clinical experience in workplace environments.