A new study conducted at the beginning of this year found that nurses are using their smartphones in the clinical setting but that the tools they use are shaped by the policies there.
Device ownership isn’t a barrier, most nurses have a smartphone, and half own a tablet:
- 83% smartphone
- 57% tablet
- 65% use device at work
- 65% use device 30 minutes or more per shift
- 87% use internet on device at work
However, workplace policies make some actions more difficult than others. Search is almost universally allowed, but the social channels are often blocked:
Image from summary presentation
However, when it comes to workplace attitudes about accessing information 89% of respondents feel that there are no barriers, and 48% feel that it is encouraged.
Image from summary presentation
Finally, while the use of social channels at work is often discouraged, the nurses in the survey three-quarters of nurses follow health topics on their own time:
- 47% Frequently / regularly
- 27% Occasionally
- 12% Rarely
- 14% Never
For healthcare marketers with a nurse audience, you can be sure they will be using their mobile devices to seek out your information throughout the day, but you may find that your social channels are more often accessed during “off hours” than on. Since nursing is a 24/7 job that may not translate into evening / weekend access. Check your data to find out.
Source: Wolters Kluwer
