The use of smartphone applications by urology trainees. Issue 5 (October 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Nason, G.J.; Burke, M.J.; Aslam, A.; Kelly, M.E.; Akram, C.M.; Giri, S.K.; Flood, H.D.
• Is Part Of: Surgeon. Volume 13:Issue 5(2015)
• Page Start: 263
• Page End: 266
• Publication Date: 2015-10
• Subjects: Surgery -- Periodicals; Surgery -- Periodicals; Surgical Procedures, Operative -- Periodicals; 617
• DOI: 10.1016/j.surge.2014.06.008
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1479-666X

Abstract

<abstract xml:lang="en" abstract-type="author" id="abs0010"> <title id="sectitle0010">Abstract</title> <sec> <title id="sectitle0015">Objective</title> <p id="abspara0010">Mobile phone technology is continuously advancing- the smartphone allows users instant access to information via the internet. Downloadable applications (apps) are becoming widespread across medical specialities. The aim of this study was to assess the use of smartphone apps among urology trainees in Ireland.</p> </sec> <sec> <title id="sectitle0020">Methods</title> <p id="abspara0015">An anonymous electronic survey was distributed via Survey Monkey<sup>®</sup> to all urology trainees in Ireland assessing their ownership and use of smartphones and downloadable apps. A search of urology apps was performed using the Apple App Store and the Android Market.</p> </sec> <sec> <title id="sectitle0025">Results</title> <p id="abspara0020">36 (81.8%) of trainees responded with 100% ownership of smartphones. 28 (77%) report downloading apps with 11 (30.6%) reporting paying for them. The mean number of apps downloaded was 4 (Range 1–12). 16 (44.4%) trainees think apps for smartphones are very useful in clinical practice, 14 (42.4%) think they are useful. A total of 126 urology apps were available. 76 (60.3%) were designed for physicians, 46 (36.5%) for patients, 2 (1.6%) for students and 2 (1.6%) for urological nurses.</p> </sec> <sec> <title id="sectitle0030">Conclusion</title> <p id="abspara0025">There are an ever increasing number of urology apps available. Urology trainees are using smartphones as an educational and reference tool and find them a useful aide in clinical practice.</p> </sec> </abstract>