Abstract
ObjectiveTo describe the use of short message service (SMS) text messages between doctors in clinical teams at a tertiary New Zealand hospital in order to inform policy development.MethodsSelf-reported retrospective descriptive survey of SMS use and attitudes to texting.ResultsTwo hundred and eight of 350 eligible doctors completed the survey. Of the respondents, 95.7% routinely carry a mobile phone at work. Residents sent the most frequent texts and male doctors texted more frequently than female doctors. Surgical doctors sent texts most frequently. SMS messages are perceived as convenient, unobtrusive, reliable, and efficient. Fifty-seven per cent of respondents reported that texting was ‘useful’ or ‘very useful’. Cost, ambiguity, reliability, and confidentiality were the major perceived barriers to texting.ConclusionUse of SMS messages for clinical communication is widespread and regarded as favourable; particularly by junior doctors. Given the prevalence of texting, and the likelihood that this will increase, guidelines for appropriate use and standards should be developed.
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