[Considerations on the use of WhatsApp in physician-patient communication and relationship]

Abstract

WhatsApp is an instant messaging application developed in 2009 and quickly spread among users of all ages, for personal relationships, as entertainment, as an aid to the study and as a virtual place of contact with their group. The international scientific literature on the use of this application in the health sector, identified by the major database on-line reports only a small number of publications. Although its impact in the clinical setting has been poorly investigated, WhatsApp is among the most widely used communication tools, which may also be valuable in favoring the communication and relationship between patients and physicians. Healthcare providers should be trained to use modern web-based communication systems with accurate assessment of indications and contraindications. In particular, virtual means should be prevented from replacing real interactions.