Development of mobile educational applications designed for nurses: A narrative review.

OBJECTIVE

To identify and synthesise existing literature about the use of mobile educational applications (apps) designed to enhance the learning experience of nurses and midwives.

DESIGN

A narrative review using a systematic, structured and comprehensive search of the literature.

DATA SOURCES

Medline Complete (EBSCO), CINAHL (EBSCO), ERIC (EBSCO) and Embase (OVID) electronic databases.

REVIEW METHODS

Screening of 3512 articles according to inclusion and exclusion criteria using Covidence software resulted in sixteen studies for final analysis. Thematic analysis was conducted to develop key themes.

RESULTS

Four key themes were generated 1) design elements of mobile apps for nurses and midwives, 2) design factors impacting learner motivation, 3) influence of apps on nursing and midwifery practice, and 4) considerations for app development. The themes indicated a positive association between well-designed mobile educational apps and enhanced learner motivation. Additionally, recognising the importance of tailoring mobile educational apps for specific user groups and engaging in co-design processes with nurses and midwives during app development was identified as crucial for optimising their impact on nursing and midwifery education.

DISCUSSION

Mobile educational apps designed for nurses and midwives offer an innovative and engaging approach to delivering information and supporting learning. Creating apps tailored for nurses and midwives transforms their learning experience and serves as a useful adjunct to traditional clinical education.