Mobile learning: Transforming healthcare education of undergraduate nurses by building capacity during clinical placement

Background: The rapid increase in the use of mobile technology in Australia has created challenges for learning and teaching (L&T) of undergraduate nurses during clinical placement in healthcare environments. The easy accessibility of L&T resources via mobile devices challenges traditional strategies of knowledge and skill acquisition. Personal and professional use of digital technology has outpaced the development of policies or codes of practice to guide its use as a legitimate educational adjunct in the workplace. Information regarding the current and preferred use mobile learning and teaching in healthcare environments is limited.

Methods: A cross sectional study using a validated online survey was administered to undergraduate nurses while on clinical placement in two Australian States.

Findings: There were 84 respondents of which 56% (n=47) reported having access to a mobile device. Respondents reported their current and preferred use of mobile learning behaviour. Currently, study-related activities were conducted more regularly away from the workplace and included accessing University sites for information and checking or sending study-related text messages or emails to friends or co-workers also occurred. Respondents indicated they would prefer to be able to use their minilaptops, mini tablets and tablets for work related purposes during clinical placement. They also indicated they believed using mobile devices could be beneficial for patient care and accessing learning resources during placement.

Conclusions: This paper will describe how mobile learning can be used to transform L&T in the workplace. It will discuss how improving access to mobile learning will build capacity in healthcare environments.