Handheld Electronic Device Use by Pediatric Hospitalists on Family Centered Rounds

Physicians increasingly use handheld electronic devices (HED) to assist in daily work activities. The objectives of our study were to describe the practice patterns of pediatric hospitalists in the use of HED during daily work activities and Family Centered Rounds (FCR). We also examined perceptions of pediatric hospitalists on benefits and barriers of these devices on trainee education and family/patient interactions. An anonymous cross-sectional survey was sent to the American Academy of Pediatrics’ Section on Hospital Medicine Listserv between October–November 2012, to determine pediatric hospitalists usage and attitudes of HED on FCR. A total of 140 Listserv members responded. Seventy six percent reported using a HED in daily work activities. One-third claimed their institution has a policy on device use. Eighty one percent of respondents practice FCR at their institution. Only 34 % of those who practice FCR use a HED on FCR. Those who have used a HED on FCR responded “always” or “often” to the following questions: 48 % feel the use of these devices improves educational experiences for learners on FCR, and 49 % feel these devices improve patient/family educational opportunities on FCR. Over 75 % of pediatric hospitalists used a HED in their daily work activities. A majority is unaware or claims their institution has no policy on handheld device use. While most respondents practice FCR, only one-third used these devices on FCR despite the belief that these devices improve trainee and patient/family educational opportunities on FCR.