The impact of using health apps as a source of information and health education in the medical field

Introduction: Medical training transcends the formal curriculum, involving the construction of a professional identity shaped by interaction with professors and professionals in the field. In response to contemporary demands, medical education has undergone adaptations, driven by the advancement of digital technologies, which offer greater flexibility and accessibility to learning. Mobile applications have gained prominence for facilitating access to medical knowledge, although they raise concerns about the quality of teaching and the technological literacy of students. Objective: This study aims to review the literature on the impact of health applications on medical education, by evaluating their contributions to the learning of students and health professionals, as well as the advantages and disadvantages associated with their use. Methods: This is an integrative literature review, carried out using the PubMed, LILACS and SciELO databases, with articles published from 2019 to July 2024, which addressed the impact of health applications in the medical field. The initial search resulted in 75 articles, of which 20 were selected according to the established criteria. Conclusion: Health applications offer flexibility, dynamism and convenient access to information, complementing medical training with a diversity of resources, especially in contexts restricted to the clinical environment. However, issues such as language interpretation and possible barriers to accessing technology can affect its effectiveness and the quality of learning. Therefore, the integration of these applications must be done critically to ensure that they do not compromise medical training and practice.