Use of Personal Communication Devices in Clinical Settings Perception of Staff Nurses

OBJECTIVE This survey study describes how nurses use personal communication devices while providing direct patient care and identifies generational differences. BACKGROUND Personal communication devices enhance and distract from patient care. Generational differences exist and these should be included in workplace policies. METHODS A study-specific survey was developed. Data were collected from 335 qualified participants and descriptively analyzed in total, then by generational specific study groups. RESULTS The perception of these participants is that personal communication devices do not pose a serious work distraction nor have a negative effect on patient care. Yet generational differences exist related to the presence of these devices in providing patient care. CONCLUSIONS Access to personal communication devices, while at work, is an expectation. The reasons for accessing these devices, and the perception that these devices have a negative impact on work performance, should be included when developing workplace policies.