Mobile computing in medical education: opportunities and challenges

There is an increasing importance of incorporating mobile computing into the academic medical environment. A growing majority of physicians, residents and medical students currently use mobile devices for education, access to clinical information and to facilitate bedside care. Therefore, it is important to assess the current opportunities and challenges in the use of mobile computing devices in the academic medical environment. Current research has found that a majority of physicians, residents and medical students either own or use mobile devices. In addition, studies have shown that these devices are effective as educational tools, resource guides and aids in patient care. Although there are opportunities for medical education, issues of deployment must still be addressed, such as privacy, connectivity, standardization and professionalism. Understanding the opportunities and challenges of using mobile computing devices in the academic medical environment can help determine the feasibility and benefits of their use for individuals and institutions.