Smart phones and surgeons: privacy and legal issues in Australian healthcare

Smartphone use is widespread and increasing in health with potential to revolutionise many aspects of care. We reviewed current Australian Government legislation as well as hospital, legal and industry body guidelines to clarify best practice and identify technological solutions that satisfy both patients and clinicians alike. Most health services surveyed did not have a policy that appropriately addressed smartphone use by clinicians. Where use was addressed, it was typically banned or allowed with incomplete guidelines non-compliant with legislation. There is an urgent need to develop policies that recognise the ubiquity of smartphone use in healthcare, yet protect patient privacy.