Abstract
The aim of this study was to analyse the volume and pattern of usage, media types and message contents of a smartphone group communication app within an acute surgical unit. WhatsApp® chatgroup history of a colorectal unit from August 2017 till January 2018 was analysed. The messages were categorised into text and multimedia messages, and further classified into groups based on contents, time of transmission and position of sender. 69% (11 of 16) of the participants were aged between 20-29 years old. 5,004 (4,498 clinical, 506 non-clinical) messages were transmitted over six months. 242 (5%) were multimedia messages or photographs. Of the clinical messages, 3,721 (83%) messages were relevant to patient care. There was significant after-hours communication (1,156, 23%). WhatsApp® usage peaked in December (1,555 messages). WhatsApp® meets the communication demands of clinical practice in a surgical unit. Its ability to support multimedia formats has significant advantage over traditional communication tools. Despite data security concerns, its usage had increased over time.
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