Text messaging between clinicians and patients – Hve we got thngs unda cntrl?

Abstract

INTRODUCTION Patients are interested in receiving text messages (texts) related to their health care. However, anecdotes are emerging of associated problems and it is possible that many of the potential pitfalls are not recognised. AIM To assess clinicians' attitudes and behaviours towards text messaging (texting) with patients. METHODS A voluntary, anonymous, online survey was created and distributed to general practitioners and physiotherapists in New Zealand and to Sports Medicine Fellows and Sports Medicine Registrars in New Zealand and Australia. RESULTS In total, 322 clinicians completed the survey. Texting behaviours relating to accuracy, privacy and security were identified. A range of sensitive and important medical information was frequently conveyed and at times forwarded to third parties. The clinicians generally felt uneasy communicating this way and some felt pressured into it. Most thought that guidelines are insufficient and that they had not received sufficient education on the issues. Most were interested in further education. CONCLUSION This study has demonstrated frequent texting between clinicians and patients. It has highlighted potential risks to the privacy, accuracy and security of medical information. Current guidelines and education may be insufficient. Clinicians were interested in receiving readily available best practice guidelines and education regarding texting.

From the Editor: Forces of nature

“…The research of Arroll, Ndukwe, Gauld, and Muller (along with their colleagues) provides further directions for 21 st century primary health care revisions. [8][9][10][11] Antidepressant medication should be cautiously prescribed because their effectiveness studies may be biased, according to Arroll's updated systematic review of antidepressant effectiveness in primary care. 8 Similarly, the low participation rate in Ndukwe's survey gives plenty of scope for bias, 9 but the study at least makes a contribution to increasing knowledge of healthcare revisions appropriate to an aged population.…”

“…Addressing an alternative communication method now available to healthcare providers, Muller's team found that text messaging between healthcare providers and patients is now quite common. 11 However, texting causes some disease among providers who are unsure of the confidentiality and privacy dimensions of texting. They want education.…”