A descriptive analysis of the role of a WhatsApp clinical discussion group as a forum for continuing medical education in the management of complicated HIV and TB clinical cases in a group of doctors in the Eastern Cape, South Africa

Abstract

BackgroundAs South Africa’s (SA) HIV programme increases in size, HIV/TB cases occur that are often beyond the clinical scope of primary healthcare clinicians. In SA’s Eastern Cape (EC) province, health facilities are geographically widespread, with a discrepancy in specialist availability outside of academic institutions. The aim of this study is to describe WhatsApp and its use as an alternative learning tool to improve clinicians’ access to specialised management of complicated HIV/TB cases.ObjectivesTo analyse clinicians’ use of the WhatsApp chat group as a learning tool; to assess clinicians’ confidence in managing complicated HIV and TB patients after participating in the WhatsApp case discussion group; to describe the perceived usefulness of the chat group as a learning tool; to understand clinicians’ knowledge and use of informed consent when sharing patient case details on a public platform such as WhatsApp.MethodAn observational, cross-sectional study was conducted among a group of clinicians from the EC that formed part of a WhatsApp HIV/TB clinical discussion group. Data were collected using a structured anonymous Internet questionnaire and analysed with Epi Info, using descriptive and analytic statistics.ResultsThe analysis found the majority of participants had gained new clinical confidence from group participation. This was associated with the increased group engagement in group follow-up (odds ratio [OR] 48.13 [95% confidence interval [CI] 4.99–464.49]); in posting questions (OR 3.81 [95% CI 1.02–18.48]); in reports of ‘new’ clinical insights (OR 23.75 [95% CI 3.95–142.88]); in referencing old case material (OR 21.42 [95% CI 4.39–104.84]) and in the use of peer guidance to manage cases (OR 48.13 [95% CI 4.99–464.49]). However, there was a discrepancy in participants’ knowledge and actual use of informed consent when posting patient details on social media.ConclusionsOur study findings support the use of WhatsApp in a medical setting as an effective means of communication, long distance learning and support between peers and specialists.

Changing Practices Amid COVID-19 Pandemic: Lessons Learnt During a Review and Planning Meeting For Neglected Tropical Disease Control Programing in Ekiti State, Nigeria

“…Majority of the participants expressed their level of satisfaction on these modes of engagement as it is modern and more exible medium of communication that gives them prompt access to information, compared to the traditional paper-based channel of communication through their LNTD coordinators. These ndings corroborate with those of Kamel Boulus et al [12], HIFA [13] in Uganda and Woods et al [14] in South Africa. Including WhatsApp to the communication and teaching toolbox would facilitate timely responses among programmers, ensure wider dissemination of public health messages to more people and help create virtual communities of enquiry and practice [12].…”

Guidelines for the use of WhatsApp groups in clinical settings in South Africa

“…[5,6] Due to its usefulness and cost effectiveness, WhatsApp is also being tested as a learning tool for doctors and medical students. [7,8] In spite of its widespread use, understanding and acknowledgement of the legal framework underpinning the group-sharing of confidential patient information are sorely lacking among HCPs. [7,9] Indeed, it is possible to forget that WhatsApp is a form of social media and to let one's guard down, e.g.…”

“…[7,8] In spite of its widespread use, understanding and acknowledgement of the legal framework underpinning the group-sharing of confidential patient information are sorely lacking among HCPs. [7,9] Indeed, it is possible to forget that WhatsApp is a form of social media and to let one's guard down, e.g. by starting a personal interaction in a group setting that all group members can view.…”

“…Worldwide, academic articles specifically outline the advantages and disadvantages of using WhatsApp in the clinical setting and discuss the ethical issues. [7] Common themes are lack of consideration for patient confidentiality, privacy and consent, and there are several suggestions from authors on how to increase information and communication technology governance. [2,13] Some healthcare systems, such as the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK, have provided guidelines on the use of instant messaging platforms in the acute clinical setting.…”

Construção e validação de tecnologia educacional para promoção do aleitamento materno no período neonatal

“…14 Based on the above and recent studies on the use of applications for health education with patients, 15 it is noted that the use of smartphones technology in clinical practice is a growing research topic. 16 Therefore, research is needed to explore how ICT can be used to provide comprehensive support for BF. 17,18 Thus, it was aimed at building and validating Text and Figure Message Pack (TFMP) for the promotion of breastfeeding in the neonatal period.…”