A Primer on the Role of iPhone Apps in Medical and Radiology Education and How to Develop Them

Among the numerous innovations implemented in medical education since the beginning of the 21st century, small-group learning experiences have worked well for modern students and the application of computer technology provided access to thousands of lectures, images, and slides via the internet. This has helped to build an electronic foundation on which further educational adaptations have arisen in the current era, coupled with the altered communications landscape represented by Apple's introduction of the iPhone and Google's subsequent entrance onto the playing field. With the advent of smartphone applications (apps), education has taken on an even more personalized approach. Data show that the use of educational apps has been embraced by today's nursing and medical students, notably including radiology students. We survey recent research on the use and desirability of medical apps and offer practical tips for those ready to embark on developing medical, particularly radiology, educational apps including how to assess and hone them for optimal use.