Summary
Background: Medical students are often afforded the privilege of counselling patients. In the
past resources were limited to pen and paper or anatomic models. The evolution of
mobile applications allows for limitless access to resources that facilitate bedside
patient education.
Objectives: To evaluate the utility of six applications in patient education and promote awareness
of implementing mobile resources in clinical care.
Methods: Six medical students rotating on various clerkships evaluated a total of six mobile
applications. Strengths, limitations, and suggested uses in clinical care were identified.
Applications included MeditoonsTM, VisiblePatientTM, DrawMDTM, CardioTeachTM, Visual AnatomyTM, and 360° Patient Education SuiteTM. Data was generated from narrative responses supplied by each student during their
evaluation period.
Results: Bedside teaching was enhanced by professional illustrations and animations depicting
anatomy and pathophysiology. Impromptu teaching was facilitated, as resources were
conveniently available on a student’s smartphone or tablet. The ability to annotate
and modify images and subsequently email to patients was an extraordinary improvement
in provider-patient communication. Universal limitations included small smartphone
screens and the novelty of new technology.
Discussion: Mobile applications have the potential to greatly enhance patient education and simultaneously
build rapport. Endless opportunities exist for their integration in clinical practice,
particularly for new diagnoses, consent for procedures, and at time of discharge.
Providers should be encouraged to try new applications and utilize them with patients.
Citation: Markman TM, Sampognaro PJ, Mitchell SL, Weeks SR, Khalifian S, Dattilo JR. Medical
student appraisal: Applications for bedside patient education. Appl Clin Inf 2013;
4: 201–211
http://dx.doi.org/10.4338/ACI-2013-01-R-0007
Keywords
Application - mobile health - electronics - smartphone - patient education
