J Nurs Manag. 2026;2026(1):e3543130. doi: 10.1155/jonm/3543130.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Problematic mobile phone use is an emerging public health issue, the prevalence of which has increased among nurses.
AIM: To synthesize and describe knowledge on problematic mobile phone use by nurses, its consequences, and strategies for addressing this phenomenon.
DESIGN: A systematic review was conducted following the checklist Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) statement. This systematic review has been registered in PROSPERO (CRD420251052591).
METHODS: Four electronic databases were systematically searched from their inception to September 2025. The article’s reference lists were also manually searched. The study selection was carried out in three stages, with two reviewers independently analyzing the data and resolving disagreements. The quality assessment utilized the Mixed Method Appraisal Tool, considering the criteria established for each study design.
RESULTS: Sixteen studies from four online databases were selected, the majority of which were cross-sectional and descriptive. The risk factors for problematic mobile phone use, the negative consequences for mental and physical health, and the clinical work of nurses were highlighted, such as a combination of strategies to prevent and mitigate problematic mobile phone use in the clinical setting.
CONCLUSION: The problematic mobile phone use of nurses negatively affects their mental and physical health, as well as their performance in the clinical setting.
IMPLICATION FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT: The findings of this study may inform the need for nursing managers to develop and implement strategies to prevent and mitigate the problematic use of these devices among nurses and ensure the appropriate use of mobile phones in the clinical setting.
PMID:41873504 | DOI:10.1155/jonm/3543130
