1
|
Pankiv E, Achaibar K, Hossain A, Fiadjoe JE, Matava CT. The role of WhatsApp™ in pediatric difficult airway management: A study from the PeDI Collaborative. Paediatr Anaesth 2023; 33:1001-1011. [PMID: 37715538 DOI: 10.1111/pan.14760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Management of the pediatric difficult airway can present unique clinical challenges. The Pediatric Difficult Intubation Collaborative (PeDI-C) is an international collaborative group engaging in quality improvement and research in children with difficult airways. The PeDI-C established a WhatsApp™ group to facilitate real-time discussions around the management of the difficult airway in pediatric patients. The goals of this study were to evaluate the patterns of use of the WhatsApp™ group, themes on messages posted on pediatric difficult airway management and to assess the perceived usefulness of the WhatsApp™ group by the PeDI-C members. METHOD Following research ethics approval, we performed a database analysis on the archived discussion of the PeDI-C WhatsApp™ group from 2014 to 2019 and surveyed members to assess the perceived usefulness of the PeDI-C WhatsApp™ group. RESULTS 5781 messages were reviewed with 350 (6.0%) original stems. The three most common original stem types were advice seeking 98 (28%), announcements 85 (24.2%), and clinical case-sharing 78 (22.2%). The median number of responses to original stems was 9 [2-21.3]. Post types associated with increased responses included those seeking advice on medication/equipment (regression coefficient 0.78, 95% CI [0.41-1.16]; p < .0001); seeking advice on patient care (regression coefficient 1.16, 95% CI [0.86-1.45]; p < .0001), sharing advice on medication/equipment availability (regression coefficient 0.87, 95% CI [0.33-1.40], p < .0016), and clinical case-sharing (regression coefficient 1.2547, 95% CI [0.9401-1.5693] p < .0001). 46/64 members of the group responded to the survey. Replies offering advice regarding patient management scenarios were found to be of most interest and 77% of surveyed members found the discussion translatable into their own clinical practice. DISCUSSION The PeDI-C WhatsApp™ group has facilitated timely knowledge exchange on pediatric difficult airway management across the world. Participants are satisfied with the role the Whatsapp™ group is playing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Evelina Pankiv
- Department of Anesthesia, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kira Achaibar
- Department of Anesthesia, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Alomgir Hossain
- Research Institute, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - John E Fiadjoe
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Clyde T Matava
- Department of Anesthesia, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
An Audit and Survey of Informal Use of Instant Messaging for Dermatology in District Hospitals in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19127462. [PMID: 35742708 PMCID: PMC9223770 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19127462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Background. In KwaZulu-Natal (KZ-N), South Africa, recent reports have indicated that spontaneous use of smartphones has occurred, providing access to specialist dermatological care to remote areas. This informal use has raised a number of practical, legal, regulatory, and ethical concerns. Aim. To assess the nature and content of WhatsApp messages sent to dermatologists, to determine the referring doctors’ reasons for, and satisfaction with, their interactions, as well as their knowledge of legal, regulatory, and ethical requirements. Methods. A retrospective study of WhatsApp messages between referring doctors and dermatologists, as well as a cross-sectional survey of doctors working at district hospitals in KZ-N who used IM for teledermatology. Results. Use of IM (primarily WhatsApp) for teledermatology was almost universal, but often not considered ‘telemedicine’. Few referring doctors were aware of South Africa’s ethical guidelines and their requirements, and few of those who did followed them, e.g., the stipulated and onerous consent process and existing privacy and security legislations. No secure methods for record keeping or data storage of WhatsApp content were used. A desire to formalize the service existed. Conclusions. Based upon these findings, it was proposed that a number of described steps be followed in order to formalize the use of IM for teledermatology.
Collapse
|
3
|
Owen MD, Ismail HM, Goodman D, Batakji M, Kim SM, Olufolabi A, Srofenyoh EK. Use of WhatsApp messaging technology to strengthen obstetric referrals in the Greater Accra Region, Ghana: Findings from a feasibility study. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0266932. [PMID: 35482758 PMCID: PMC9049345 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0266932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In Ghana, the high-risk obstetric referral system is inadequate. Delay is common and patients often arrive to receiving hospitals in compromised states. An effective referral system should include an adequately resourced referral hospital, communication across sectors, accountability, transport, monitoring capability and policy support, which are currently lacking. A pilot program was undertaken to facilitate communication between hospital staffs. Additionally, data was collected to better understand and characterize obstetric referrals in Accra. Thirteen institutions were selected based on referral volume to implement the use of pre-referral treatment guidelines and WhatsApp as a mobile technology communication platform (Platform). Participants included healthcare workers from 8 health centers, 4 district hospitals, the Greater Accra Regional Hospital (GARH), administrators, doctors from other tertiary hospitals in Accra and medical consultants abroad. Facilities were provided smartphones and guidelines on using WhatsApp for advice on patient care or referral. Data were collected on WhatsApp communications among participants (March-August 2017). During this period, 618 cases were posted on the Platform and users increased from 69 to 81. The median response time was 17 min, a receiving hospital was identified 511 (82.7%) times and pre-referral treatment was initiated in 341 (55.2%). Subsequently, data collected on 597 referrals to GARH (September-November 2017) included 319 (53.4%) from Platform and 278 (46.6%) from non-Platform hospitals. Of these, 515 (86.3%) were urgent referrals; the median (interquartile range) referral to arrival time was 293 (111–1887) minutes without variation by facility grouping. Taxis were utilized for transportation in 80.2%; however, referral time shortened when patients arrived by ambulance and with a midwife. Only 23.5% of urgent referrals arrived within two hours. This project demonstrates that WhatsApp can be used as a communication tool for high-risk obstetric referrals and highlights the need to continue to improve urban referral processes due to identified delays which may contribute to poor outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Medge D. Owen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, United States of America
| | - Hebah M. Ismail
- Department of Anesthesiology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - David Goodman
- Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women and Babies, Orlando, FL, United States of America
| | - Mariam Batakji
- Department of Anesthesiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States of America
| | - Sung Min Kim
- Department of Anesthesiology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States of America
| | - Adeyemi Olufolabi
- Department of Anesthesiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States of America
| | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
WhatsApp in Clinical Practice-The Challenges of Record Keeping and Storage. A Scoping Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182413426. [PMID: 34949033 PMCID: PMC8708459 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182413426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Revised: 12/11/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The use of WhatsApp in health care has increased, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic, but there is a need to safeguard electronic patient information when incorporating it into a medical record, be it electronic or paper based. The aim of this study was to review the literature on how clinicians who use WhatsApp in clinical practice keep medical records of the content of WhatsApp messages and how they store WhatsApp messages and/or attachments. A scoping review of nine databases sought evidence of record keeping or data storage related to use of WhatsApp in clinical practice up to 31 December 2020. Sixteen of 346 papers met study criteria. Most clinicians were aware that they must comply with statutory reporting requirements in keeping medical records of all electronic communications. However, this study showed a general lack of awareness or concern about flaunting existing privacy and security legislation. No clear mechanisms for record keeping or data storage of WhatsApp content were provided. In the absence of clear guidelines, problematic practices and workarounds have been created, increasing legal, regulatory and ethical concerns. There is a need to raise awareness of the problems clinicians face in meeting these obligations and to urgently provide viable guidance.
Collapse
|
5
|
Enyama D, Balti EV, Simeni Njonnou SR, Ngongang Ouankou C, Kemta Lekpa F, Noukeu Njinkui D, Fouogue JT, Mayouego Kouam J, Njateng GSS, Kenfack B, Watcho P, Choukem SP. Use of WhatsApp®, for distance teaching during COVID-19 pandemic: Experience and perception from a sub-Saharan African setting. BMC MEDICAL EDUCATION 2021; 21:517. [PMID: 34598681 PMCID: PMC8486629 DOI: 10.1186/s12909-021-02953-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, to palliate to the lockdown and cover academic programs, the faculty of medicine and pharmaceutical sciences (FMPS) of the university of Dschang (UDs) in Cameroon has implemented e-learning using WhatsApp®. AIM Describe the opinion of students and lecturers after its implementation of e-learning at the FMPS of UDs. METHODS We designed a uniform teaching scheme using WhatsApp® during the university lockdown. Students and members of the teaching staff of the FMPS of UDs were enrolled after receiving clear information on the study implementation. At the end of the online-teaching period of two and a half months, we surveyed our students and teaching staff. Sociodemographic characteristics and opinions about e-learning were collected using a standard questionnaire. RESULTS We enrolled 229 students and 40 lecturers of the FMPS. Students reported a decremented quality of internet connection (p < 0.001, p-homogeneity < 0.001) despite an increased expenditure related to internet use. Electronic devices were broadly used before the implementation of mobile learning. The use of course materials was significantly more challenging among students because of the size/format of lecture notes and internet connection/cost (all p < 0.05). Perception of discipline compared to classroom-based lessons was not significantly different among students compared to lecturers (all p > 0.05). While lecturers were mainly more comfortable conveying the contents of their lectures, students tended to be less prone to actively participate. The motivation and satisfaction of the latter group toward e-learning were modest compared to classroom-based lectures while their feedback about the organization was positive. CONCLUSIONS E-learning using WhatsApp® could be an effective alternative to conventional classroom-based lessons in the context of COVID-19 pandemic. The use of a blended-learning program including classroom-based sessions could help improve its limitations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dominique Enyama
- Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang, Dschang, Cameroon
- Department of Paediatrics, Douala Gynaeco-Obstetric and Paediatric Hospital, Douala, Cameroon
- The University of Dschang Taskforce for the Elimination of COVID, Dschang, Cameroon
| | - Eric Vounsia Balti
- Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang, Dschang, Cameroon
- The University of Dschang Taskforce for the Elimination of COVID, Dschang, Cameroon
- Department of Internal Medicine, Universiteit Ziekenhuis Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Sylvain Raoul Simeni Njonnou
- Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang, Dschang, Cameroon
- The University of Dschang Taskforce for the Elimination of COVID, Dschang, Cameroon
| | - Christian Ngongang Ouankou
- Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang, Dschang, Cameroon
- The University of Dschang Taskforce for the Elimination of COVID, Dschang, Cameroon
- Yaoundé University Teaching Hospital, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Fernando Kemta Lekpa
- Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang, Dschang, Cameroon
- The University of Dschang Taskforce for the Elimination of COVID, Dschang, Cameroon
- Department of Internal Medicine, Douala General Hospital, Douala, Cameroon
| | - Diomede Noukeu Njinkui
- Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang, Dschang, Cameroon
- Department of Paediatrics, Douala Gynaeco-Obstetric and Paediatric Hospital, Douala, Cameroon
- The University of Dschang Taskforce for the Elimination of COVID, Dschang, Cameroon
| | - Jovanny Tsuala Fouogue
- Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang, Dschang, Cameroon
- The University of Dschang Taskforce for the Elimination of COVID, Dschang, Cameroon
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Bafoussam Regional Hospital, Bafoussam, Cameroon
| | - Jeanne Mayouego Kouam
- Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang, Dschang, Cameroon
| | - Guy Sedar Singor Njateng
- The University of Dschang Taskforce for the Elimination of COVID, Dschang, Cameroon
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Dschang, Dschang, Cameroon
| | - Bruno Kenfack
- Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang, Dschang, Cameroon
- The University of Dschang Taskforce for the Elimination of COVID, Dschang, Cameroon
| | - Pierre Watcho
- The University of Dschang Taskforce for the Elimination of COVID, Dschang, Cameroon
| | - Simeon Pierre Choukem
- Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang, Dschang, Cameroon.
- The University of Dschang Taskforce for the Elimination of COVID, Dschang, Cameroon.
- Health and Human Development (2HD) Research Network, Douala, Cameroon.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Häberle AD, Nath R, Facente SN, Albers AE, Girod S. What Surgeons Want: Access to Online Surgical Education and Peer-to-Peer Counseling-A Qualitative Study. Craniomaxillofac Trauma Reconstr 2021; 14:189-195. [PMID: 34471474 DOI: 10.1177/1943387520929813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Study Design Mixed methods study including quantitative data analysis and qualitative analysis of semi-structured interviews. Objectives Utilizing information and communication technology can facilitate professional communication within health care on a global scale. This study aimed to identify the educational and peer-to-peer communication needs of craniomaxillofacial (CMF) surgeons across the globe, determine preferred modes of communication, and assess technological and other barriers to online education and peer-to-peer communication. Methods We performed semi-structured videoconference interviews of 92 CMF surgeons from around the globe, with the largest number in the Asia/Pacific region, the Middle East, and Latin America. We triangulated quantitative summaries with qualitative themes to improve validity and enable a more comprehensive understanding of participant perspectives. Results The interviews revealed 3 main areas of technology use: new surgical technology, technology that enables information exchange, and communication technology. When asked about technology and communication platforms used in the course of their work, 33 participants (36%) mentioned PubMed or other journal-related sites; 25% recalled using YouTube as a resource; 23% described conducting internet searches using Google or other search engines; 21% used WhatsApp groups; and 11% used closed Facebook groups. Conclusion CMF surgeons embraced communication technologies that allowed them to quickly obtain knowledge especially on new surgical technology, discuss cases on demand, and maintain strong communication with their global peers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Astrid D Häberle
- Department of Health Research and Policy, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Riya Nath
- SSPIRE, Department of Surgery, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Shelley N Facente
- Facente Consulting, Richmond, CA, USA.,School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Autumn E Albers
- Facente Consulting, Richmond, CA, USA.,School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Sabine Girod
- SSPIRE, Department of Surgery, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Sund G, Lipnick M, Law T, Wollner E, Rwibuka G. Anaesthesia facility evaluation : a Whatsapp survey of hospitals in Burundi. SOUTHERN AFRICAN JOURNAL OF ANAESTHESIA AND ANALGESIA 2021. [DOI: 10.36303/sajaa.2021.27.2.2456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
|
8
|
Binkheder S, Aldekhyyel R, Almulhem J. Health informatics publication trends in Saudi Arabia: a bibliometric analysis over the last twenty-four years. J Med Libr Assoc 2021; 109:219-239. [PMID: 34285665 PMCID: PMC8270356 DOI: 10.5195/jmla.2021.1072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Understanding health informatics (HI) publication trends in Saudi Arabia may serve as a framework for future research efforts and contribute toward meeting national "e-Health" goals. The authors' intention was to understand the state of the HI field in Saudi Arabia by exploring publication trends and their alignment with national goals. METHODS A scoping review was performed to identify HI publications from Saudi Arabia in PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science. We analyzed publication trends based on topics, keywords, and how they align with the Ministry of Health's (MOH's) "digital health journey" framework. RESULTS The total number of publications included was 242. We found 1 (0.4%) publication in 1995-1999, 11 (4.5%) publications in 2000-2009, and 230 (95.0%) publications in 2010-2019. We categorized publications into 3 main HI fields and 4 subfields: 73.1% (n=177) of publications were in clinical informatics (85.1%, n=151 medical informatics; 5.6%, n=10 pharmacy informatics; 6.8%, n=12 nursing informatics; 2.3%, n=4 dental informatics); 22.3% (n=54) were in consumer health informatics; and 4.5% (n=11) were in public health informatics. The most common keyword was "medical informatics" (21.5%, n=52). MOH framework-based analysis showed that most publications were categorized as "digitally enabled care" and "digital health foundations." CONCLUSIONS The years of 2000-2009 may be seen as an infancy stage of the HI field in Saudi Arabia. Exploring how the Saudi Arabian MOH's e-Health initiatives may influence research is valuable for advancing the field. Data exchange and interoperability, artificial intelligence, and intelligent health enterprises might be future research directions in Saudi Arabia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samar Binkheder
- , Assistant Professor of Biomedical and Health Informatics, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Raniah Aldekhyyel
- , Assistant Professor of Biomedical and Health Informatics, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Jwaher Almulhem
- , Assistant Professor of Biomedical and Health Informatics, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Israel National Obstetric Anesthesia WhatsApp group as a communication tool, before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Int J Obstet Anesth 2020; 45:154-155. [PMID: 33199259 PMCID: PMC7566793 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijoa.2020.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2020] [Revised: 09/07/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
|
10
|
Alkamel N, Jamal A, Alnobani O, Househ M, Zakaria N, Qawasmeh M, Tharkar S. Understanding the stakeholders' preferences on a mobile application to reduce door to balloon time in the management of ST-elevated myocardial infarction patients - a qualitative study. BMC Med Inform Decis Mak 2020; 20:205. [PMID: 32867749 PMCID: PMC7457529 DOI: 10.1186/s12911-020-01219-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background ST-elevated myocardial infarction (STEMI) is a critical and time-sensitive emergency. The survival depends on prompt initiation of treatment requiring high precision and multi-level coordination between healthcare staff. The use of a mobile application may facilitate prompt management and shorten the door-to-balloon time by capturing information at the point of care and provide immediate feedback to all healthcare staff involved in STEMI management. The objective of the present study has two primary components: (i) to explore the suggestions and opinions of stakeholders in the development of a novel mobile app for code activation in management of STEMI patients (ii) to find out the healthcare workers’ expectations including facilitating steps and challenges in the activation process of the proposed mobile app. Methods Unstructured interviews were conducted with key informants (n = 2) to identify all stakeholders, who also helped in developing the interview protocol and prototype designs. In-depth, semi-structured, open-ended, face to face interviews were conducted on 22 stakeholders involved in managing STEMI patients. All interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analyzed using ATLAS.ti 8 software, allowing themes and subthemes to emerge. Results The 22 participants included in the study were cardiology physicians (n = 3), emergency consultants (n = 4), emergency room (ER) senior nurses (n = 10), and cardiac catheterization lab staff (n = 5). The main themes identified during analysis were workflow and the App. The themes identified from the interviews surrounding the App were: 1) facilitating ideas 2) management steps needed 3) features 4) preferred code activation method 5) steps of integration 6) possible benefits of the App 7) barriers and 8) possible solutions to the suggested barriers. Most of the interviewed stakeholders expressed their acceptance after viewing the proposed mobile app prototype. Conclusion The study identified the mandatory features and the management steps needed from the stakeholder’s perspectives. The steps for integrating the current paper-based workflow with the suggested mobile app were identified. The expected benefits of the App may include improved and faster management, accuracy, better communication, and improvement in data quality. Moreover, the possible barriers might comprise of doubtful acceptability, device-related issues, and time and data-related challenges.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nour Alkamel
- College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Amr Jamal
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. .,Evidence-Based Healthcare and Knowledge Translation Research Chair, King Saud University, PO Box 90714, Riyadh, 11623, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Omar Alnobani
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mowafa Househ
- College of Science and Engineering, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Nasriah Zakaria
- Medical Education Department, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammad Qawasmeh
- Nursing Department, King Saud University Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shabana Tharkar
- Prince Sattam Chair for Epidemiology and Public Health Research, Department of Family and Community Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Kopilaš V, Gajović S. Wildfire-Like Effect of a WhatsApp Campaign to Mobilize a Group of Predominantly Health Professionals With a University Degree on a Health Issue: Infodemiology Study. J Med Internet Res 2020; 22:e17051. [PMID: 32442138 PMCID: PMC7445615 DOI: 10.2196/17051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2019] [Revised: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 02/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Online interactions within a closed WhatsApp group can influence the attitudes and behaviors of the users in relation to health issues. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to analyze the activity of the members of a WhatsApp group initiated to raise awareness of the possible health effects of 5G mobile networks and mobilize members to sign the related petition. METHODS We retrospectively analyzed data from the WhatsApp group of 205 members that was active during 4 consecutive days in August 2019. The messages exchanged were collected, anonymized, and analyzed according to their timing and content. RESULTS The WhatsApp group members were invited to the group from the administrator's contacts; 91% (187/205) had a university degree, 68% (140/205) were medical professionals, and 24% (50/205) held academic positions. Approximately a quarter of the members (47/205, 23%) declared in their messages they signed the corresponding petition. The intense message exchange had wildfire-like features, and the majority of messages (126/133, 95%) were exchanged during the first 26 hours. Despite the viral activity and high rate of members openly declaring that they signed the petition, only 8 (8/133, 6%) messages from the group members, excluding the administrator, referred to the health issue, which was the topic of the group. No member expressed an opposite opinion to those presented by the administrator, and there was no debate in the form of exchanging opposite opinions. CONCLUSIONS The wildfire-like activity of the WhatsApp group and open declaration of signing the petition as a result of the mobilization campaign were not accompanied by any form of a debate related to the corresponding health issue, although the group members were predominantly health professionals, with a quarter of holding academic positions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vanja Kopilaš
- Faculty of Croatian Studies, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Srećko Gajović
- Croatian Institute for Brain Research, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Mars M, Morris C, Scott RE. WhatsApp guidelines - what guidelines? A literature review. J Telemed Telecare 2020; 25:524-529. [PMID: 31631763 DOI: 10.1177/1357633x19873233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Instant messaging (IM) is pervasive in modern society, including healthcare. WhatsApp, the most cited IM application in healthcare, is used to share sensitive patient information between clinicians. Its use raises legal, regulatory and ethical concerns. Are there guidelines for the clinical use of WhatsApp? Can generic guidelines be developed for the use of IM, for one-to-one and one-to-many healthcare professional communication using WhatsApp as an example? AIM We aimed to investigate if there are guidelines for using WhatsApp in clinical practice. METHOD Nine electronic databases were searched in January 2019 for articles on WhatsApp in clinical service. Inclusion criteria: paper was in English, reported on WhatsApp use or potential use in clinical practice, addressed legal, regulatory or ethical issues and presented some form of guideline or guidance for WhatsApp use. RESULTS In total, 590 unique articles were found and 167 titles and abstracts met the inclusion criteria. Twenty-one articles identified the need for general guidelines. Twelve articles provided some form of guidance for using WhatsApp. Issues addressed were confidentiality, identification and privacy (eight articles), security (seven), record keeping (four) and storage (three). Mandatory national guidelines for the use of IM for patient-sensitive information do not appear to exist, only advisories that counsel against its use. CONCLUSION The literature showed clinicians use IM because of its simplicity, timeliness and cost effectiveness. No suitable guidelines exist. Generic guidelines are required for the use of IM for healthcare delivery which can be adapted to local circumstance and messaging service used.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maurice Mars
- Department of TeleHealth, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Christopher Morris
- Department of TeleHealth, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Richard E Scott
- Department of TeleHealth, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.,Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Canada; NT Consulting - Global e-Health Inc., Calgary, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Scott RE, Morris C, Mars M. Development of a "Cellphone Stewardship Framework": Legal, Regulatory, and Ethical Issues. Telemed J E Health 2020; 27:316-322. [PMID: 32460692 DOI: 10.1089/tmj.2020.0048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Use of mobile devices within the health care sector has become commonplace in most developed countries, and increasingly common in developing countries. Such technological innovations have outpaced the necessary awareness and understanding of the spectrum of issues that ensure appropriate use of these innovations. The term "stewardship" has been defined and is applied to the appropriate care and use of cellphones by health care providers. Aim: To examine cellphone stewardship issues, and develop a simple framework by which to categorize these issues, using clinical WhatsApp® (WhatsApp Inc., Menlo Park, CA) use as the exemplar. Methods: Nine electronic databases were searched (January 2019) for articles on WhatsApp in clinical service. Inclusion criteria were article was in English, reported on WhatsApp use or potential use in clinical practice, and identified cellphone stewardship issues. Results: Of 590 articles related to WhatsApp use in clinical practice, 167 potentially addressed some form of stewardship issue. After further review of full-text articles, 13 met the inclusion criteria, addressing specific issues related to cellphone stewardship, as defined. Articles were from nine countries (six developing and seven developed economies). Cellphone stewardship issues were abstracted and categorized into legal, regulatory, and ethical aspects, leading to development of the Cellphone Stewardship Framework for Health Care Providers (CSF-HCP). Conclusion: The CSF-HCP facilitates informed and structured debate around this topic, and encourages application of the term "cellphone stewardship" to describe and encompass the diverse legal, regulatory, and ethical issues requiring debate, resolution, and routine practice to ensure appropriate use of cellphones, and other mobile devices, by health care practitioners.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Richard E Scott
- Department of Telehealth, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa.,Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada.,NT Consulting-Global e-Health, Inc., Calgary, Canada
| | - Christopher Morris
- Department of Telehealth, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Maurice Mars
- Department of Telehealth, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa.,College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Secure Instant Messaging Application in Prenatal Care. J Med Syst 2020; 44:73. [PMID: 32086609 DOI: 10.1007/s10916-020-01552-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
The use of mobile phone for medical purposes is rapidly expanding as the number of medical applications rise. Studies show improvement of patient management and communication between medical team members using instant messaging applications. There are currently several smartphone applications routinely used by doctors and nurses. WhatsApp is by far the most common, however, it has several limitations when it comes to medical confidentiality. The aim of this paper is to introduce "Siilo" as an alternative secure messaging application and its advantages in the medical field, specifically in obstetrics. The typical course of consultation for an abnormal fetal finding is very long, cumbersome, frustrating and depends a lot on the patient, whereas, via Siilo the process is fast, efficient, depends more on the medical caregivers and helps ensuring minimum lost to follow-up. This paper demonstrates for the first time the utility of the use of Siilo application in medical management.
Collapse
|
15
|
Kaur J, Suri V. WhatsApp in obstetrics and gynaecology: necessary evil or blessing in disguise? J OBSTET GYNAECOL 2020; 41:164-165. [PMID: 32068470 DOI: 10.1080/01443615.2019.1710481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Japleen Kaur
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India
| | - Vanita Suri
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Coleman E, O’Connor E. The role of WhatsApp® in medical education; a scoping review and instructional design model. BMC MEDICAL EDUCATION 2019; 19:279. [PMID: 31345202 PMCID: PMC6659203 DOI: 10.1186/s12909-019-1706-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2019] [Accepted: 07/11/2019] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Technological advances have driven huge change in educational practices though concerns exist about a lack of evidence informing this change, in particular with social media-based medical education activities. The purpose of this study was to conduct a scoping review of WhatsApp use in medical education, narratively describing how it has been used and evaluated, and the theoretical considerations in relevant articles. METHODS A modified 5-stage scoping review model was used. We performed 2 searches from February 2009 to February 2019 in EBSCO, SCOPUS, Web of Science, EMBASE, Medline PubMed and Google Scholar) using the term "WhatsApp" in all search fields. A 3-stage process for study selection was performed. Only original articles in English presenting original data about WhatsApp in medical education were included. The Kirkpatrick model of training evaluation was used to describe learning outcomes in included studies. RESULTS Twenty-three articles were selected for review. Three strategies for WhatsApp use were apparent; primarily educational use with a pre-defined curriculum (n = 5), primarily educational use without a curriculum (n = 11), and primarily non-educational use (n = 7). Most of the educational studies used an online moderator and were in a local hospital or university department. Studies not primarily educational were national or international and seldom included an online moderator. All 5 studies with a pre-defined curriculum reported Kirkpatrick level 2 learner knowledge outcomes. A majority of the remaining studies only reported Kirkpatrick level 1 learner attitudes. Seven studies with 647 participants reported an improvement in learners' knowledge following WhatsApp learning, though methodological weaknesses were apparent. Evidence for underlying learning theory considerations were scant throughout the studies. CONCLUSIONS WhatsApp is popular and convenient in medical education. Current published literature suggests it may also be effective as a medical learning tool. By combining the 3 strategies for WhatsApp use and the exploration-enactment-assessment integrated learning design framework, we propose an instant messenger design model for medical education. This may address the need for theory-driven instructional design in social media learning. Further research would clarify the role of WhatsApp and our design model in this area.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E. Coleman
- Department of Intensive Care and Anaesthesia, St James’s Hospital, Trinity College, Dublin 8, Dublin, Ireland
| | - E. O’Connor
- Department of Intensive Care and Anaesthesia, St James’s Hospital, Trinity College, Dublin 8, Dublin, Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Araújo ETH, Almeida CAPL, Vaz JR, Magalhães EJL, Alcantara CHL, Lago EC. Use of Social Networks for Data Collection in Scientific Productions in the Health Area: Integrative Literature Review. AQUICHAN 2019. [DOI: 10.5294/aqui.2019.19.2.4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: To investigate evidence on the use of social networks to collect data in scientific productions in the health area. Material and method: An integrative literature review from primary studies indexed in the SciELO, PubMed, LILACS, Scopus, and Web of Science platforms. Results: 16 scientific articles were selected, of which nine focused on the use of WhatsApp; five, on the use of Facebook; and two, on employing Twitter to collect data in scientific productions. Growth was noted on the number of investigations associated to the use of social networks, although an important paradigm still exists related to the use to generate scientific evidence, resulting in a still low number of investigations on this theme. Conclusions: The health area needs to approach evermore the development of research associated to social networks, given that this would enable a viable and rapid intervention in obtaining responses, besides being a low cost and very promising tool for data collection.
Collapse
|
18
|
Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie C Cox
- Department of Obstetric Medicine, Auckland City Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand
| |
Collapse
|