Robert Wu1, Lora Appel2, Dante Morra3, Vivian Lo4, Simon Kitto5, Sherman Quan3. 1. Centre of Innovation in Complex Care, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of General Internal Medicine, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada. Electronic address: Robert.wu@uhn.ca. 2. Centre of Innovation in Complex Care, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Communication and Information, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, USA. 3. Trillium Health Partners, Mississauga, ON, Canada. 4. Centre of Innovation in Complex Care, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada. 5. Office of Continuing Education and Professional Development, University of Toronto, ON, Canada; Li Ka-Shing Knowledge Institute of St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Hospitals today are experiencing major changes in their clinical communication workflows as conventional numeric paging and face-to-face verbal conversations are being replaced by computer mediated communication systems. In this paper, we highlight the importance of understanding this transition and discuss some of the impacts that may emerge when verbal clinical conversations are replaced by short text messages. METHODS: In-depth interviews (n=108) and non-participatory observation sessions (n=260h) were conducted on the General Internal Medicine wards at five academic teaching hospitals in Toronto, Canada. RESULTS: From our analysis of the qualitative data, we identified two major themes. De-contextualization of complex issues led to an increase in misinterpretation and an increase in back and forth messaging for clarification. Depersonalization of communication was due to less verbal conversations and face-to-face interactions and led to a negative impact on work relationships. CONCLUSIONS: Text-based communication in hospital settings led to the oversimplification of messages and the depersonalization of communication. It is important to recognize and understand these unintended consequences of new technology to avoid the negative impacts to patient care and work relationships.
BACKGROUND: Hospitals today are experiencing major changes in their clinical communication workflows as conventional numeric paging and face-to-face verbal conversations are being replaced by computer mediated communication systems. In this paper, we highlight the importance of understanding this transition and discuss some of the impacts that may emerge when verbal clinical conversations are replaced by short text messages. METHODS: In-depth interviews (n=108) and non-participatory observation sessions (n=260h) were conducted on the General Internal Medicine wards at five academic teaching hospitals in Toronto, Canada. RESULTS: From our analysis of the qualitative data, we identified two major themes. De-contextualization of complex issues led to an increase in misinterpretation and an increase in back and forth messaging for clarification. Depersonalization of communication was due to less verbal conversations and face-to-face interactions and led to a negative impact on work relationships. CONCLUSIONS: Text-based communication in hospital settings led to the oversimplification of messages and the depersonalization of communication. It is important to recognize and understand these unintended consequences of new technology to avoid the negative impacts to patient care and work relationships.
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