Text messaging between clinicians and patients – Hve we got thngs unda cntrl?
Mark D. Muller 1 , Simon A. Moyes 2 , Mark L. Fulcher 21 Anglesea Sports Medicine, Hamilton, New Zealand
2 Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
Correspondence to: Mark D Muller, Anglesea Sports Medicine, 7-9 Thackeray St, PO Box 228, Hamilton 3240, New Zealand. Email: mark@angsm.co.nz
Journal of Primary Health Care 8(4) 351-356 https://doi.org/10.1071/HC15061
Published: 21 December 2016
Journal Compilation © Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners 2016.
This is an open access article licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
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.
KEYWORDS: Texts; SMS; clinician; health professional; patient; attitude
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