There has been a rise in the use of mobile technologies in medicine. Smartphones are becoming useful communication, reference, learning and diagnostic tools for both the surgeon and the trainee. The iPhone, one of the top-selling smartphones worldwide, has continued the exponential boom in application tools and e-textbooks with focus in medicine and healthcare.
Methods/Technique:
We explore the role of the iPhone applications related to plastic and reconstructive surgery for doctors and trainees in the United Kingdom and United States. We review the applications that are currently available. We also review some of the available patient-related applications, assessing their value in educating and providing information for patients.
Results/Complications:
A summary of the various categories of applications and their potential benefits and uses is provided.
Conclusion:
The use of smartphones in healthcare and surgery is accelerating. Smartphones may become an invaluable tool for the plastic surgeon or trainee.