Mobile applications aimed at preparation for surgical procedures: a technological prospecting

Objective: to analyze the main characteristics of mobile applications available in virtual stores, which deal with performing surgical procedures. Method: technological prospection, with a qualitative exploratory approach, carried out by searching for applications in the Apple Store (R) and Google Play (R) virtual stores, using the keywords: Surgical Center, Surgery, Surgery Simulator, and Surgery Games, in Portuguese, English, and Spanish. We performed a categorical thematic analysis of the findings. Results: 67 occurrences were classified into four categories: 'Applications intended to guide the surgical procedure,' 'Applications about working in the operating room,' 'Applications aimed at the health team,' and 'Applications related to entertainment games. Conclusions: the applications are aimed both at individuals seeking procedure guidance and healthcare professionals. However, there is a gap regarding specific preoperative guidelines for pediatrics, where no occurrence was recorded.