Using a Notes App as a Tool for Reference and Collaboration

Mobile apps have been around for quite some time. It is hard to remember life without them. For many of us, they are integral to our daily life. As health care professionals, we may look to mobile apps to clarify medical information, such as medications or medical conditions; clinical training; or timely interdepartmental communication.¹ Using a smartphone and mobile apps may not always be the first thing that comes to mind when you are preparing for a case. The preference card may be what you see every day, but what if it looks like a foreign language or does not have the information or tips you are looking for?

One Nurse’s Lesson Learned

Shaina S., MSN, RN, brought her previous hospital experience with orientation to her first perioperative job at a growing ambulatory surgery center (ASC). Although she found the orientation very supportive, it also felt less structured due to the expansion of procedures and service lines at her busy facility. She thought the surgeon preference cards, in particular, were not as helpful as they could have been. She found areas of common knowledge, such as specialty procedures or managing problems with specimens, were not always written out in detail. She also encountered new surgeons and procedures that were infrequently done at the expanding ASC, leaving both new and experienced perioperative nurses at a disadvantage. She wanted a way to quickly formulate new procedural information and prepare for the day.

In searching for a solution, Shaina found the Notes app on her phone and started using it daily to prepare for procedures. (There are a variety of platforms similar to the Notes app, such as Joplin, Google Keeps, Microsoft OneNote, and Evernote [Table 1].) She documented essential points for the circulating RN or surgical scrub, specialty equipment instructions, specimen protocols for specific surgeons, draping procedures, and back table and Mayo stand set ups (with pictures) with particular instrumentation needs for surgeons who infrequently visited the ASC. Shortly after she started using the app, Shaina began sharing her insights and tips with her team members. After creating a folder in cloud-based storage, she was able to share this information with colleagues so they could view information on upcoming procedures, make updates in a timely manner, and add comments, all of which served to enhance patient care and physician satisfaction.

Table 1. A Comparison of Different Notes Apps

Benefits

There are many benefits related to the use of apps, such as providing easy and instant access to information at the point of care and supporting effective communication in the perioperative setting and across disciplines.² Apps can supplement the orientation process, such as by addressing the individual learner’s needs and encouraging confidence. These benefits ultimately enhance patient safety.³ A digitally capable workforce will guide and set an example for the new generation of nurses to become digitally professional.²

Challenges

Not all health care facilities may embrace the use of smartphones and mobile apps as Shaina’s did. Some facilities may have policies restricting or banning personal device use in patient care areas. The use of smartphones and apps in the perioperative setting should first be discussed with a manager. An infection control practitioner also may be consulted to establish and monitor safe practices regarding smartphones. Finally, evidence-based practice research may assist in overcoming barriers and preexisting concepts regarding the use of smartphones and technology in the perioperative setting.

Conclusion

Not only can the use of apps improve patient care, such as by ensuring accurate preference cards and procedures in Shaina’s case, but it also can help alleviate stress among new nurses by helping them prepare ahead of time for procedures and provide them with a reference at their fingertips.

Editor's note: AORN does not endorse any commercial company’s products or services. Inclusion or exclusion of products in this article does not constitute an endorsement or review (implied or otherwise) by AORN of the quality or value of such products, or of the claims made by the manufacturer.

References

1. Croke L. Mobile health apps are transforming patient care. AORN J. 2020;111(6):P5. https://doi.org/10.1002/aorn.13080
2. Armour T, Coffey E. Smartphones in the operating room: can perioperative nurses be trusted? J Periop Nurs. 2021;34(1):e27-e30. doi:10.26550/2209-1092.1114
3. Serembus J, Hunt-Kada P, Lenahan K, Lydon A. Internet, apps, and tweets: enhancing clinical learning through just-in-time training. Nurs Educ Perspect. 2020;41(5):E33-E34. doi:10.1097/01.NEP.0000000000000486