Experience of using a personal digital assistant in nursing practice – a single case study

johansson p., petersson g. & nilsson g. (2011) Journal of Nursing Management 19, 855–862

Experience of using a personal digital assistant in nursing practice – a single case study

Aim  The aim of this study was to describe one nurse’s experience of using a personal digital assistant (PDA) in nursing practice.

Background  Nurses handle large amounts of information and a PDA may contain valuable information that nurses need in their daily work.

Methods  In this qualitative single case study, data were collected through an open‐ended interview with one registered nurse and were analysed by content analysis.

Results  The findings show that the PDA provides immediate access to information anywhere and at anytime, with advantages for both the nurse and for her patients. The PDA increased her confidence and efficiency in practice; it was easier to keep up‐to‐date and spend more time with the patient. Furthermore, the PDA was perceived as improving patient safety and patient participation.

Conclusions  The PDA requires improved content and more functions. Ease of use should also be improved. This study indicates that PDAs could be valuable and may inspire further research.

Implications for nursing management  The incorporation of a multifunctional PDA is an important issue for nursing management, as it could both change and provide new possibilities for nursing practice. The use of PDAs could also aid decision‐making, improve patient safety and benefit patient outcomes.