Integrating mobile devices into nursing curricula: Opportunities for implementation using Rogers' Diffusion of Innovation model

• Published in: Nurse education today Vol. 34; no. 5; pp. 775 - 782
• Main Authors: Doyle, Glynda J., Garrett, Bernie, Currie, Leanne M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Scotland Elsevier Ltd 01-05-2014; Elsevier Science Ltd
• Subjects: Cell Phone; Change management; Curricula; Curriculum; Diffusion of Innovation; Education, Nursing - organization & administration; Financing; Handheld computer; Handheld computers; Innovation; Innovations; Literature Reviews; Mobile device; Models, Educational; Nursing; Nursing education; Online instruction; PDA; Professors; Smartphone; Smartphones; Undergraduate students; Nursing education; Change management; Mobile device; Diffusion of innovation; PDA; Smartphone; Handheld computer
• ISSN: 0260-6917; 1532-2793
• DOI: 10.1016/j.nedt.2013.10.021

To identify studies reporting mobile device integration into undergraduate and graduate nursing curricula. To explore the potential use of Rogers' Diffusion of Innovation model as a framework to guide implementation of mobile devices into nursing curricula.
Literature review and thematic categorization.
Literature published up until June 2013 was searched using EBSCO, PubMed, and Google Scholar.
The literature was reviewed for research articles pertaining to mobile device use in nursing education. Research articles were grouped by study design, and articles were classified by: 1) strategies for individual adopters and 2) strategies for organizations. Rogers' Diffusion of Innovation theory was used to categorize reported implementation strategies.
Fifty-two research studies were identified. Strategies for implementation were varied, and challenges to integrating mobile devices include lack of administrative support and time/funding to educate faculty as well as students. Overall, the use of mobile devices appears to provide benefits to nursing students; however the research evidence is limited.
Anticipating challenges and ensuring a well laid out strategic plan can assist in supporting successful integration of mobile devices.