The impact of mobile nursing information systems on patient satisfaction with nursing care: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE

This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluates the association between mobile nursing information systems (MNIS) and patient satisfaction with nursing care across diverse clinical settings.

METHODS

In this systematic review and meta-analysis restricted to non-randomised quasi-experimental studies, we systematically searched eight electronic databases for literature published between January 2010 and October 2025 to identify eligible non-randomised controlled studies comparing MNIS with conventional nursing care. Randomised controlled trials were excluded to maintain methodological homogeneity for real-world implementation evidence. The primary outcome was patient-reported satisfaction with nursing care. A random-effects meta-analysis was performed using risk ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS

Six studies involving 4,617 patients were included in the final synthesis. Pooled results indicated that MNIS were associated with a modest elevation in patient satisfaction with nursing care (RR: 1.13, 95%CI: 1.07-1.20, P < 0.001), with substantial unexplained statistical heterogeneity across studies (I²=77.0%). Exploratory subgroup analyses detected positive correlational trends across outpatient infusion settings, inpatient wards and operating rooms. Sensitivity analyses confirmed the stability of the pooled correlational results.

CONCLUSIONS

Current low-certainty evidence suggests that MNIS are associated with slightly higher patient satisfaction with nursing care across multiple clinical scenarios. Given the non-randomised study design, high unexplained heterogeneity and limited evidence quality, causal relationships cannot be established. Further rigorous research using standardised outcome measures is needed to strengthen the evidence base.

CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: not applicable.