Smart app for smart diagnosis: Whatsapp a bliss for oral physician and radiologist

---

Original Article

Author Details : Praveenkumar Ramdurg, Naveen S., Vijaylaxmi Mendigeri, Abhijit Sande, Ketki Sali

Volume : 2, Issue : 4, Year : 2016

Article Page : 219-225

Suggest article by email

Get Permission

---

Abstract

Background: Health care has changed dramatically by the scientific blend of telecommunication and smart phones. The result of which is the teledentistry, an innovative field that involves the exchange of clinical information and images over remote distances for consultation and treatment planning by linking them with the specialists in larger communities. WhatsApp Messenger is cross-platform mobile messaging application that demonstrated its utility and efficacy in various clinical setting.
Aim: To assess the perception level regarding WhatsApp mobile based application among Oral Medicine and Radiology specialists in India.
Methods: A descriptive cross sectional web based online survey was conducted among the total of 100 Oral Medicine and Radiology specialists across India. A self-administered structured questionnaire was used to assess their perception level (12 items) regarding WhatsApp application. The response format was based on 5-point Likert scale. Analysis of variance, t-test was utilized for statistical analysis. Other part of the questionnaire recorded demographic data and other assorted questions.
Results: 83(95.40%) subjects use Teledentistry in Oral Medicine and Radiology practice. Statistically significant result was found in different age group and years of practice with respective use of teledentistry in practice. The mean score for perception regarding WhatsApp was 41.95. Data analysis revealed that age group and years of work experience were significantly associated with perception level score (p=0.0001). 63.51% subjects strongly agreed sharing patient’s information in the “Whatsapp” leads to breach in the patient confidentiality.
Conclusion:  The use of smart phone teledentistry is an efficient and effective way for remote specialist consultation. Other than patient confidentiality concern, majority of the subjects in this study shows positive assessment for the use of WhatsApp application in Oral Medicine and Radiology.   

Keywords: Teledentistry, WhatsApp, Oral Diagnosis, Questionnaire, Teleconsultation

How to cite : Ramdurg P, Naveen S., Mendigeri V, Sande A, Sali K, Smart app for smart diagnosis: Whatsapp a bliss for oral physician and radiologist. J Oral Med Oral Surg Oral Pathol Oral Radiol 2016;2(4):219-225

This is an Open Access (OA) journal, and articles are distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 License, which allows others to remix, tweak, and build upon the work non-commercially, as long as appropriate credit is given and the new creations are licensed under the identical terms.