Accessibility And Feasibility Of Bluetooth Communication Systems And Smart Devices For Measuring Nursing Activities: A Systematic Review Of Digital Health Technologies

Abstract

The integration of Bluetooth communication systems and smart devices into nursing practice represents a transformative advancement in digital health technologies, offering new pathways for measuring nursing activities with precision and efficiency. Traditional workload measurement methods, often reliant on self-reported data, are limited by subjectivity and recall bias. In contrast, Bluetooth-enabled systems and wearable devices provide objective, real-time data on nurse location, movement, and physiological indicators, thereby enhancing accuracy and supporting evidence-based workforce management. This systematic review synthesizes findings from studies published between 2015 and 2025, retrieved from PubMed, Scopus, and IEEE Xplore, that evaluated the accessibility and feasibility of Bluetooth and smart device technologies in nursing contexts. Results indicate that Bluetooth beacons are cost-effective and feasible for tracking nurse-patient interactions and workflow patterns, while smartwatches and smartphones are widely accessible and capable of monitoring physiological parameters such as heart rate, stress levels, and step counts. These technologies reduce documentation burden, improve workload allocation, and support patient safety through enhanced situational awareness. However, challenges persist, including concerns about data privacy, infrastructure costs, interoperability with hospital information systems, and potential resistance from nursing staff if monitoring is perceived as surveillance. Despite these limitations, the evidence suggests that Bluetooth and smart devices are both accessible and feasible for integration into nursing activity measurement frameworks, particularly in settings seeking to optimize resource allocation and reduce burnout. The implications of this review are significant for nursing management and health policy. Adoption of Bluetooth-enabled digital health tools can facilitate evidence-based staffing, improve efficiency, and contribute to sustainable workforce practices. Future research should prioritize randomized controlled trials, long-term evaluations of patient outcomes, and strategies to address ethical and interoperability concerns. Overall, Bluetooth communication systems and smart devices represent a promising frontier in digital health technologies, offering scalable solutions for accurate, real-time measurement of nursing activities.