Using smartphones to access clinical applications is fine. Using smartphones to text, chat or check out Facebook is not. So says the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists in a new policy.

"Continuous observation and vigilance are the basis of safe anesthesia care," says the AANA in its policy statement. "Non-essential distractions, especially those associated with use of mobile devices (smartphones, tablets, PDAs) may lead to significant patient safety lapses."

So-called "distracted doctoring" has been a hot topic as of late. One study found that 55% of perfusionists said they had texted, e-mailed or otherwise used their phone while running heart-lung machines during heart bypass surgery. Some hospitals have implemented policies advising doctors on how to minimize distraction on their mobile devices.

The AANA supports the use of mobile devices for patient-related communication among members of a patient care team to enhance the delivery of care, but says CRNAs should avoid the unnecessary use of these tools when delivering anesthesia care services. The AANA is also concerned about mobile device use in the OR causing bacterial contamination and interfering with medical equipment.

Dan O'Connor