WhatsApp Tele-Medicine – usage patterns and physicians views on the platform

摘要

The fourth section included 5 questions regarding the perceived benefits and disadvantages of using WhatsApp. Benefits included were “Media sharing”, “Rapid consultation (faster response compared to phone call or email)”, “Option to answer when comfortable, “Ability to refine a consultation before submitting it”, and 2 possible advantages of WhatsApp groups – “Venting with colleagues”, and “Keeping informed of new directives and updates”. Potential disadvantages included: “Increased workload during work hours”, “Consultations outside of work hours”, “Breaching patient confidentiality”, “Failure to document in medical records” and “Invading physician’s personal space”. Participants were also directly asked whether most WhatsApp consultations were during working hours, and whether they get requests after 20:00, during weekend/holidays, on leave days, or when abroad.