Israel Junior Borges do Nascimento1, João Antonio de Queiroz Oliveira2, Iago Souza Wolff3, Laura Defensor Ribeiro3, Maíra Viana Rego Souza E Silva3, Clareci Silva Cardoso4, Maurice Mars5, Antonio Luiz Ribeiro6, Milena Soriano Marcolino7. 1. PharmB. Medical Research Specialist, Medical School and TeleHealth Center, University Hospital, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte (MG), Brazil; and Medical Research Specialist, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States. 2. PharmD. MSc. Pharmacist, Medical School and TeleHealth Center, University Hospital, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte (MG), Brazil. 3. MD. Physician, Medical School and TeleHealth Center, University Hospital, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte (MG), Brazil. 4. MD, MSc, PhD. Professor, Department of Public Health, Medical School and TeleHealth Center, Universidade Federal de São João del-Rei, Divinópolis, Brazil. 5. MBChB, MD. Professor, Department of TeleHealth, Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa. 6. MD, PhD. Professor, Medical School and TeleHealth Center, University Hospital, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte (MG), Brazil. 7. MD, MSc, PhD. Professor, Medical School and TeleHealth Center, University Hospital, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte (MG), Brazil.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Instant messaging services (IMS) are widely used in medical practice. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate perceptions regarding use and usability of IMS within clinical practice and assess users' knowledge of the ethical and legal context involved in using IMS within medical practice. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional study conducted in different hospitals and medical institutions in Minas Gerais, Brazil. METHODS: Medical students, medical residents, primary care physicians and specialist doctors answered an online questionnaire regarding epidemiological data, graduation level and use of IMS for medical communication. Responses were collected over a five-month period and data were assessed using the IBM-SPSS software. RESULTS: 484 people answered the questionnaire: 97.0% declared that they were using IMS for medical-related purposes; 42.0%, to elucidate medical concerns every week; 75.0%, to share imaging or laboratory tests and patients' medical records; and 90.5%, to participate in clinical case-study private groups. Moreover, only 37.0% declared that they had knowledge of the legislative aspects of use of smartphones within clinical practice. Differences in the frequency of discussion of medical concerns within the daily routine between student/residents and general practitioners/specialists, and in the frequency of image-sharing and patient-guiding/assistance between students and medical doctors, were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Our results provide reliable proof that medical doctors and students use IMS, as a tool for clinical case discussions, interactions between healthcare providers and patients, or dissemination of knowledge and information. Nonetheless, because of limitations to the ethical and legal regulations, evidence-based discussions between authorities, academics and medical institutions are needed in order to fully achieve positive outcomes from such platforms.
BACKGROUND: Instant messaging services (IMS) are widely used in medical practice. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate perceptions regarding use and usability of IMS within clinical practice and assess users' knowledge of the ethical and legal context involved in using IMS within medical practice. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional study conducted in different hospitals and medical institutions in Minas Gerais, Brazil. METHODS: Medical students, medical residents, primary care physicians and specialist doctors answered an online questionnaire regarding epidemiological data, graduation level and use of IMS for medical communication. Responses were collected over a five-month period and data were assessed using the IBM-SPSS software. RESULTS: 484 people answered the questionnaire: 97.0% declared that they were using IMS for medical-related purposes; 42.0%, to elucidate medical concerns every week; 75.0%, to share imaging or laboratory tests and patients' medical records; and 90.5%, to participate in clinical case-study private groups. Moreover, only 37.0% declared that they had knowledge of the legislative aspects of use of smartphones within clinical practice. Differences in the frequency of discussion of medical concerns within the daily routine between student/residents and general practitioners/specialists, and in the frequency of image-sharing and patient-guiding/assistance between students and medical doctors, were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Our results provide reliable proof that medical doctors and students use IMS, as a tool for clinical case discussions, interactions between healthcare providers and patients, or dissemination of knowledge and information. Nonetheless, because of limitations to the ethical and legal regulations, evidence-based discussions between authorities, academics and medical institutions are needed in order to fully achieve positive outcomes from such platforms.
Authors: Rebeca Soler-Costa; Pablo Lafarga-Ostáriz; Marta Mauri-Medrano; Antonio-José Moreno-Guerrero Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2021-01-29 Impact factor: 3.390
Authors: Sabine Sayegh-Jodehl; Rebecca Mukowski-Kickhöfel; Diane Linke; Claudia Müller-Birn; Matthias Rose Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2022-10-02 Impact factor: 4.614