The prognostic role of WeChat-based instant doctor–patient communication in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer

Tang, Hui; Zhu, Zhou; Ying, Jianming; You, Tingting; Ge, Hua; Cheng, Yuejuan; Geng, Ruixuan; Zhou, Na; Qiu, Wei; Ge, Yuping; Wang, Yingyi; Bai, Chunmei

doi:10.1007/s11764-023-01429-7

Cited by 3 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 28 publications

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“…Our findings are consistent with previous research in some aspects. Several studies have documented the use of WeChat for improving doctor-patient communication for managing certain diseases, such as advanced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma in China [ 29 ]. The interviewees’ reservation to share personal accounts has also been echoed in previous studies on the controversies arising from the use of personal social media for medical services [ 30 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Doctors’ Personal Preference and Adoption of Mobile Apps to Communicate with Patients in China: Qualitative Study

Chen,

Han,

Yang

et al. 2024

JMIR Mhealth Uhealth

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Background Different kinds of mobile apps are used to promote communications between patients and doctors. Studies have investigated patients’ mobile app adoption behavior; however, they offer limited insights into doctors’ personal preferences among a variety of choices of mobile apps. Objective This study aimed to investigate the nuanced adoption behaviors among doctors in China, which has a robust adoption of mobile apps in health care, and to explore the constraints influencing their selection of specific mobile apps. This paper addressed 3 research questions: (1) Which doctors opt to adopt mobile apps to communicate with patients? (2) What types of mobile apps do they choose? (3) To what degree do they exercise personal choice in adopting specific mobile apps? Methods We used thematic content analysis of qualitative data gathered from semistructured interviews with 11 doctors in Hangzhou, which has been recognized for its advanced adoption of mobile technology in social services, including health care services. The selection of participants was purposive, encompassing diverse departments and hospitals. Results In total, 5 themes emerged from the data analysis. First, the interviewees had a variety of options for communicating with patients via mobile apps, with the predominant ones being social networking apps (eg, WeChat) and medical platforms (eg, Haodf). Second, all interviewees used WeChat to facilitate communication with patients, although their willingness to share personal accounts varied (they are more likely to share with trusty intermediaries). Third, fewer than half of the doctors adopted medical platforms, and they were all from tertiary hospitals. Fourth, the preferences for in-person, WeChat, or medical platform communication reflected the interviewees’ perceptions of different patient cohorts. Lastly, the selection of a particular kind of mobile app was significantly influenced by the doctors’ affiliation with hospitals, driven by their professional obligations to fulfill multiple tasks assigned by the hospitals or the necessity of maintaining social connections with their colleagues. Conclusions Our findings contribute to a nuanced understanding of doctors’ adoption behavior regarding specific types of mobile apps for patient communication, instead of addressing such adoption behavior of a wide range of mobile apps as equal. Their choices of a particular kind of app were positioned within a social context where health care policies (eg, limited funding for public hospitals, dominance of public health care institutions, and absence of robust referral systems) and traditional culture (eg, trust based on social connections) largely shape their behavioral patterns.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Doctors’ Personal Preference and Adoption of Mobile Apps to Communicate with Patients in China: Qualitative Study

Chen,

Han,

Yang

et al. 2024

JMIR Mhealth Uhealth

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…In the study led by Tang and colleagues [5], 431 patients diagnosed with advanced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma were included. These patients had received first-line chemotherapy at Peking Union Medical College Hospital between January 2015 and October 2022.…”

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confidence: 99%

Instant Messaging in Cancer Care

Buonerba,

Calabrese,

Imperioso

et al. 2024

Oncology

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Instant messaging applications, such as WhatsApp® and Telegram®, have transformed global communication, offering unique business models and minimal user expenses. Unlike traditional SMS, these apps facilitate unlimited, multimedia-rich communication globally, driven by widespread smartphone adoption. This shift not only broadens communication horizons but also enhances privacy compared to conventional voice calls. In healthcare, instant messaging, particularly unidirectional communication, proves impactful, evidenced by trials like TEXT ME and Healthy Text. These studies highlight text messages' efficacy in cardiovascular disease prevention and cancer prevention, demonstrating improved patient outcomes and behavioral changes. Bidirectional communication through instant messaging holds promise in cancer care, facilitating patient-doctor interactions, adverse event management, and medication compliance. Studies on pharmacist-run tele-oncology services and WeChat-based doctor-patient communication showcase positive impacts on chemotherapy monitoring, patient adherence, and overall survival rates. Despite these advantages, challenges arise from the use of widely available apps like WhatsApp and WeChat, including a lack of structure, constant message influx, and potential physician burnout. Innovative solutions, exemplified by the Esperto in chat® platform, introduce structured approaches to doctor-patient communication, addressing financial considerations, scheduling, and maintaining work-life balance for healthcare professionals. In conclusion, while instant messaging revolutionizes healthcare communication, challenges necessitate innovative solutions. Striking a balance between accessibility and safeguarding healthcare professionals' well-being is crucial as the digital transformation of healthcare continues.

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Depression among older adults with multimorbidity: A scope review on the prevalence and intervention

Zhang,

Huang,

Jiang

et al. 2024

Aging Research

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The prognostic role of WeChat-based instant doctor–patient communication in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer

Cited by 3 publications

References 28 publications

Doctors’ Personal Preference and Adoption of Mobile Apps to Communicate with Patients in China: Qualitative Study

Doctors’ Personal Preference and Adoption of Mobile Apps to Communicate with Patients in China: Qualitative Study

Instant Messaging in Cancer Care

Depression among older adults with multimorbidity: A scope review on the prevalence and intervention

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