The love-hate state of mobile device management in healthcare: An international survey

Abstract

Objective

To gather insights regarding mobile device fleet deployment, management and security in healthcare delivery organizations (HDOs), including unmet needs and gaps in capabilities, across four nations.

Methods

An exploratory online survey of health information technology leaders working in HDOs to gather information about respondents’ organizational deployment of mobile devices as well as existing and needed mobile management capabilities.

Results

HDO mobile device losses were high, with 42% reporting average annual loss rates of 11–30%. Reported organizational effectiveness in protecting confidential information on lost mobile devices was low, with 50% of respondents ranking at six or below on a 10-point scale. Perception of end user satisfaction accessing applications/data on mobile devices was low, with 56–60% ranking satisfaction at six or below on a 10-point scale. Less than half of HDOs reported seven core mobile device management capabilities. Reported costs of mobile device information security breach across nations were between $100,000 and $1 million (USD). Respondents estimated aggregate weekly downtime exceeds 500h among 28% in Australia, 49% in Germany, 45% in the UK, and 47% in the US.

Conclusions

HDOs reported substantial perceived gaps and challenges in effectively managing mobility. System leaders desire what mobile device workflows add to care delivery, but effectively and efficiently managing a mobile device fleet remains a significant challenge. Mobility management tools are needed to facilitate rapid mobile device authentication, and efficiency of information access, while reducing clinician friction. Existing shared mobile device management solutions can help HDOs reduce costs and improve access security, user experience and workflow flexibility.