Advancing orthopaedic trauma care through WhatsApp: An analysis of clinical and non-clinical applications, challenges, and future directions

Table 1 Advantages and challenges of WhatsApp in clinical setting

Advantages of WhatsApp in clinical settings	Challenges and risks associated with WhatsApp use
Elimination of the need for a computer: Enables rapid access and dissemination of information without being tied to a computer, enhancing mobility and convenience	Unequal urgency of messages: The informal nature of messaging may lead to prioritization issues, with non-urgent communications potentially competing with critical alerts
Enhanced team communication: Fosters a collaborative and responsive environment through improved communication among healthcare team members	Unprofessional behavior: The informal platform might encourage casual or inappropriate exchanges, undermining professional standards
Quick responses and timely intervention: Facilitates timely decision-making and intervention, critical in acute care settings, by allowing for immediate messaging	Increased workload and burnout: The constant stream of messages can overwhelm healthcare providers, leading to burnout and reduced efficiency
Promotion of learning and mentorship: Encourages junior physicians to seek advice and assistance, promoting a culture of learning and mentorship, and aids in swift resolution of patient care queries	Privacy and data protection issues: The transmission of patient information via a non-healthcare-specific platform raises concerns about confidentiality and compliance with data protection laws
Increased sense of efficacy: Bolsters confidence and motivation among the team, leading to improved patient outcomes and team dynamics	Diminished autonomy of junior doctors: Constant oversight and easy access to senior advice may stifle independent decision-making and critical thinking skills