Systematic scoping review of the use of handheld computer devices to support clinical decision making in acute nursing practice.

Abstract

Nursing care is increasingly supported by computerised information systems and decision-support aids. Since the advent of Handheld Computer Devices (HCDs) there has been limited exploration of their use in nursing practice. The extant literature is varied but suggests that HCDs can be used effectively to support aspects of acute nursing care. However, there was a dearth of high-level evidence as well as studies exploring the degree to which HCD implementation may affect acute nursing workflows. Additional targeted research using rigorous experimental designs is needed in this emerging field to determine their true potential in optimising acute nursing care.