Apply of WhatsApp: A quick, simple, smarty and cost competent method of communication in neurosurgery

Abstract

Objective: Neurosurgeons habitually have to hinge on judgments of subordinate staffs to build an assessment on patients whom they cannot be present at immediately. WhatsApp is a no charge to use application for image transfer on Internet. We evaluated the use of WhatsApp in neurosurgical milieu, to show it is economical, quick, available, reliable and practicable.
Materials and methods: We coordinate a prospective observational study from December 2014 to June 2015. Residents were skilled to take sharp pictures and upload them immediately using WhatsApp on Internet. Primary conclusion was difference between opinion of residents and consultants on WhatsApp images and time delay in decision-making. Conflict was evaluated significant if it changed management decision.
Results: In the study period, 1356 (mean age: 35.53 years, 71.28% males) patients were included in study those admitted in after hospital hours. Internet packs of smart phone available in market in very economical cost. Judgment could be made on images received on WhatsApp at an average of 4.06 min. There was Conflict in 7.22% cases between residents’ reports and images on WhatsApp. All Radiological imaging modalities, were associated with statistically Insignificant difference (P >0.05).
Conclusion: This study suggests that apply of WhatsApp in neurosurgery can be a simple quick reliable and almost free mode of communicating images enabling a quick decision. Though this cost-effective method should be used with concern particularly with Radiological imaging modalities, which require dispensation and appraisal on console.