Abstract
Background Telemedicine has become an integral part of health care delivery in recent years. One of the leading applications for this use is WhatsApp — a free smartphone application that allows instant messaging with pictures and videos. This study analyzed the emerging role of WhatsApp on reducing the need for referrals to medical specialists and to compare the views of physicians regarding WhatsApp consultations.MethodsA cross-sectional study based on an anonymous web-survey was conducted among PCPs and medical specialists working in the Israel Defense Forces Medical-Corps during September and October, 2019.ResultsOf 201 participants, 153 were PCPs and 48 were medical specialists. 86.9 % of PCPs and 86.5 % of specialists used WhatsApp every day in professional settings. Added workload, potential breaching of patient confidentiality and lack of full documentation of consultations were the main concerns among physicians using the application. 60.7 % of PCPs and 95.7 % of specialists stated that these consultations have reduced the need for in-person appointments at least once a week.ConclusionsIn times of COVID-19 that require social distancing, WhatsApp provides a simple, readily available platform for consultations between healthcare providers, even to the extent of rendering some in-person appointments unnecessary. Healthcare organizations should address the matters troubling healthcare providers, mainly patient confidentiality and lack of documentation in patients’ medical records, while providing adequate compensation for those providing the service during and after work hours.
Highlights
Telemedicine has become an integral part of health care delivery in recent years
We investigated the personal views of primary care physician (PCP) and medical specialists regarding the advantages and disadvantages of WhatsApp consultations
Study design and population This cross-sectional study was conducted during September and October 2019 among PCPs and medical specialists in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Medical Corps, using a web-based survey
Summary
Telemedicine has become an integral part of health care delivery in recent years. One of the leading applications for this use is WhatsApp — a free smartphone application that allows instant messaging with pictures and videos. Mobile phone penetration in developed countries is over 90 %, and over 65 % of the US population owns a smartphone [1]. Israel is ranked among the top 10 countries worldwide in both internet use and smartphone ownership, with 76 % of. Prior to these technological developments, to consult with a medical specialist, the patient had to schedule a physical appointment. This resulted in long waiting times, loss of work days and suboptimal patient experience. When a primary care physician (PCP) needed to consult with a specialist, a formal referral was usually necessary
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 
Published Version (
Free)
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call