title: In the Palm of Your Hand - Normalizing the Use of Mobile Technology for Nurse Practitioner Education and Clinical Practice.
abstract: The use of mobile devices by nurse practitioners (NPs) to meet an evolving technological landscape is expanding rapidly. A longitudinal study of the ways NP students "normalize" the use of mobile devices in clinical education was completed. This study used researcher-designed survey tools, including sociodemographic questions, and the numerical picture was augmented and interpreted in light of the textual data in the form of selected interviews. Data indicate that mobile technology is normalized in the social realm but still developing in the clinical realm. Progress is hindered by non-modelling by faculty, inconsistent healthcare policy and lack of understanding of the affordances available through this technology. Overall, mobile technology is utilized and normalized in practice; this in turn has influenced their ability to prepare students for practice. Data presented can assist educators and clinicians alike in developing a more fulsome understanding on how to appropriately incorporate mobile technology into education and practice.
authors.affiliation: Associate Professor, Faculty of Health Disciplines, Athabasca University, Athabasca, AB.
authors.forename: Kimberley
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Lamarche
authors.affiliation: Professor and Chair, Centre for Nursing and Health Sciences & Graduate Programs, Athabasca University, Athabasca, AB.
authors.forename: Caroline
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Park
authors.affiliation: Associate Professor, Faculty of Health Disciplines, Athabasca University, Athabasca, AB.
authors.forename: Shawn
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Fraser
authors.affiliation: Assistant Professor, Faculty of Health Disciplines, Athabasca University, Athabasca, AB.
authors.forename: Mariann
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Rich
authors.affiliation: Online Instructor and Faculty Advisor, Department of Community Studies, Cape Breton University, Sydney, NS.
authors.forename: Susan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: MacKenzie
mesh_terms: D034201:Computers, Handheld; D004511:Education, Nursing, Graduate / Q000379:methods* / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D009720:Nurse Clinicians / Q000193:education / Q000458:organization & administration; D009722:Nurse Practitioners / Q000193:education* / Q000458:organization & administration; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013663:Teaching