Feasibility of smartphones for access to resources among vulnerable populations: An integrative review

PURPOSE: Vulnerable populations face barriers to accessing resources, such as health care, food, and housing, leading to health disparities. Smartphone use is widespread, and mobile health applications (apps) may help bridge these gaps. The current review synthesizes literature on factors affecting access to care for vulnerable populations and evaluates the feasibility of a smartphone health app for connecting these individuals to local resources. METHOD: Literature from CINAHL, PubMed, and Web of Science (2014 to 2024) was reviewed, focusing on vulnerable populations, access to resources, mobile apps, and teamwork. 

RESULTS: Thirty-one articles were included. Findings show widespread smart-phone access among vulnerable populations, suggesting that mobile health apps may improve access to resources. 

CONCLUSION: Despite widespread smartphone access, limited data exist on vulnerable populations' willingness to use mobile health apps to connect to local services. Further research is needed to assess their effectiveness in improving outcomes.