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WhatsApp in Clinical Practice—The Challenges of Record Keeping and Storage. A Scoping Review

Author

Listed:
  • Christopher Morris

    (Department of TeleHealth, School of Nursing & Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4041, South Africa)

  • Richard E. Scott

    (Department of TeleHealth, School of Nursing & Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4041, South Africa
    Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada)

  • Maurice Mars

    (Department of TeleHealth, School of Nursing & Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4041, South Africa
    Flinders Digital Health Research Centre, College of Nursing & Health Sciences, Flinders University, 5042 Tonsley, Australia)

Abstract

The use of WhatsApp in health care has increased, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic, but there is a need to safeguard electronic patient information when incorporating it into a medical record, be it electronic or paper based. The aim of this study was to review the literature on how clinicians who use WhatsApp in clinical practice keep medical records of the content of WhatsApp messages and how they store WhatsApp messages and/or attachments. A scoping review of nine databases sought evidence of record keeping or data storage related to use of WhatsApp in clinical practice up to 31 December 2020. Sixteen of 346 papers met study criteria. Most clinicians were aware that they must comply with statutory reporting requirements in keeping medical records of all electronic communications. However, this study showed a general lack of awareness or concern about flaunting existing privacy and security legislation. No clear mechanisms for record keeping or data storage of WhatsApp content were provided. In the absence of clear guidelines, problematic practices and workarounds have been created, increasing legal, regulatory and ethical concerns. There is a need to raise awareness of the problems clinicians face in meeting these obligations and to urgently provide viable guidance.

Suggested Citation

  • Christopher Morris & Richard E. Scott & Maurice Mars, 2021. "WhatsApp in Clinical Practice—The Challenges of Record Keeping and Storage. A Scoping Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(24), pages 1-18, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:24:p:13426-:d:707006
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Sabine Sayegh-Jodehl & Rebecca Mukowski-Kickhöfel & Diane Linke & Claudia Müller-Birn & Matthias Rose, 2022. "Use of Instant Messaging Software in a German Hospital—An Exploratory Investigation among Physicians," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(19), pages 1-14, October.
    2. Christopher Morris & Richard E. Scott & Maurice Mars, 2024. "Towards ‘Formalising’ WhatsApp Teledermatology Practice in KZ-N District Hospitals: Key Informant Interviews," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 21(10), pages 1-17, October.
    3. Ameet Bakhai & Leah McCauley & Liba Stones & Saria Khalil & Jay Mehta & Nicola Price & Vinodh Krishnamurthy & Lucy H. H. Parker & Derralynn Hughes, 2022. "Shining a light on an additional clinical burden: work-related digital communication survey study – COVID-19 impact on NHS staff wellbeing," Palgrave Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 9(1), pages 1-11, December.
    4. Christopher Morris & Richard E. Scott & Maurice Mars, 2022. "A Survey of Telemedicine Use by Doctors in District Hospitals in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(20), pages 1-12, October.
    5. Mariana Cura & Hélio Alves & José Paulo Andrade, 2022. "Medical Photography Usage Amongst Doctors at a Portuguese Hospital," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(12), pages 1-11, June.
    6. Edward Callus, 2022. "Provision of Psychological Support to a 31-Year-Old Man with SARS-CoV2-Induced Pneumonia during and after Hospitalization: A Clinical Case Report," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(1), pages 1-7, December.
    7. Christopher Morris & Richard E. Scott & Maurice Mars, 2022. "An Audit and Survey of Informal Use of Instant Messaging for Dermatology in District Hospitals in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(12), pages 1-11, June.

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