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Case Reports
. 2015 Jan-Apr;21(1):88-91.
doi: 10.4103/0973-1075.150199.

Smartphone applications in palliative homecare

Sunil R Dhiliwal  1 , Naveen Salins  1
Affiliations
Case Reports

Smartphone applications in palliative homecare

Sunil R Dhiliwal et al. Indian J Palliat Care. 2015 Jan-Apr.

Abstract

Smartphone applications in healthcare delivery are a novel concept and is rapidly gaining ground in all fields of medicine. The modes of e-communications such as e-mail, short message service (SMS), multimedia messaging service (MMS) and WhatsApp in palliative care provides a means for quick tele-consultation, information sharing, cuts the waiting time and facilitates initiation of the treatment at the earliest. It also forms a means of communication with local general practitioner and local health care provider such that continuity of the care is maintained. It also minimizes needless transport of the patient to hospital, prevents needless hospitalization and investigations and minimizes cost and logistics involved in the care process. The two case studies provided highlights the use of smartphone application like WhatsApp in palliative care practice and demonstrates its utility.

Keywords: Continuity of care; Palliative homecare; Smartphone applications.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest: None declared.

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