Background and Objective

WhatsApp is a user–friendly instant messaging application for smartphones through which text, images, video and audio messages can be exchanged without any additional charges. Although its efficacyas a tool for academic purposes has been published invariousmedical and other educational journals,studies analyzing its use inIntensive Care Unit (ICU) patients and ICU education have never been published. Observing the success of this software as a media tool–in patient management and medical education,we prospectively planned a pilot project in our ICU to study its utilization, acceptability and applicability as a teaching and learning tool.

Methods

It is a small pilot studyin which evaluation of WhatsApp as a media tool for learning amongstresident doctors working in ICU was done with respect to the patient management and outcome. Its impact on quality parameters was also observed. After creating a WhatsApp group between residents and faculty,all cases admitted in ICU were discussed through WhatsApp as a communication tool. A real–time exchange of patient problems, advisory instructions and teaching materials were the key instructions for both sides to follow. Data generated from formative assessment, focused group discussion and feedback was collected and evaluated.

Results

Obvious improvements were seen in participation of focus group discussion, percentage gain in formative assessment, subjective remarks given by faculty and feedbacks from family members and also the feedback given by the quality department in the form of improvement in quality indicator data.

Conclusions

WhatsApp can be used as a teaching and learning media tool for ICU residents, but proper methods of application are needed to get the maximum benefits.