Smartphone Use in the Emergency Department

Abstract

After unexpected cell phone-wielding patients are encountered in the Emergency Department (ED), a medical student opens the discussion on the potential benefits and detriments of allowing cell phone use in the ED. A brief look into current policies and practices reveals that there may be a shift in attitudes occurring at both the individual and hospital levels. The student’s conclusion is that cell phones can be beneficial to patient care and thus should be allowed in these instances; otherwise they pose an unnecessary risk to patients and staff.