As a 'young person' I am hardly surprised at the high number of physicians using Whatsapp to communicate in the healthcare setting. If you were to look at other businesses around the world, I am sure you will find that many, if not the majority, use Whatsapp or similar programmes to communicate with each other instantly. However, they will not be as concerned with information governance and patient confidentiality as we are. I am encouraged to read that there are companies out there who have or are developing apps that can be used safely.
The idea of instant messaging in the NHS is not a new one though. In GP practices, SystmOne has a comprehensive instant messaging service which is used regularly throughout clinics. It enables doctors, nurses, admin staff etc to ask general or specific questions about a whole variety of things, ranging from rota changes to medical advice. This enables quick communication without interrupting consultations, therefore saving on time; something that is precious in a GP. A more 'mobile' version of this system would be a godsend in a hospital from quick easy communication with no hierarchical barriers.
Having said that, there are many technologies in the NHS that are very 'behind the times' and need updating as well. You can imagine the derision when I had to ask how a fax machine worked, and questioned whether it was appropriate to be sending referrals through them? My qualms were confirmed when I heard horror stories of patient's confidential details being sent to the wrong hospital, GP surgery, or even to places outside the NHS. Medical students will be well acquainted with the 'fear of the bleep'. I reckon that at this stage, the biggest fear is not what is happening at the other end of the telephone line, but the prospect of having to figure out how to display the correct number to call! Surely a whatsapp-like system would be nothing but an improvement than this for routine communications within the NHS.
Rapid Response:
Re: Wanted: a WhatsApp alternative for clinicians
As a 'young person' I am hardly surprised at the high number of physicians using Whatsapp to communicate in the healthcare setting. If you were to look at other businesses around the world, I am sure you will find that many, if not the majority, use Whatsapp or similar programmes to communicate with each other instantly. However, they will not be as concerned with information governance and patient confidentiality as we are. I am encouraged to read that there are companies out there who have or are developing apps that can be used safely.
The idea of instant messaging in the NHS is not a new one though. In GP practices, SystmOne has a comprehensive instant messaging service which is used regularly throughout clinics. It enables doctors, nurses, admin staff etc to ask general or specific questions about a whole variety of things, ranging from rota changes to medical advice. This enables quick communication without interrupting consultations, therefore saving on time; something that is precious in a GP. A more 'mobile' version of this system would be a godsend in a hospital from quick easy communication with no hierarchical barriers.
Having said that, there are many technologies in the NHS that are very 'behind the times' and need updating as well. You can imagine the derision when I had to ask how a fax machine worked, and questioned whether it was appropriate to be sending referrals through them? My qualms were confirmed when I heard horror stories of patient's confidential details being sent to the wrong hospital, GP surgery, or even to places outside the NHS. Medical students will be well acquainted with the 'fear of the bleep'. I reckon that at this stage, the biggest fear is not what is happening at the other end of the telephone line, but the prospect of having to figure out how to display the correct number to call! Surely a whatsapp-like system would be nothing but an improvement than this for routine communications within the NHS.
Competing interests: No competing interests