Introduction: Technological advances have greatly influenced the healthcare sector. The ability to transmit information and deliver services using telecommunication tools continues to transform the way healthcare is d...Introduction: Technological advances have greatly influenced the healthcare sector. The ability to transmit information and deliver services using telecommunication tools continues to transform the way healthcare is delivered around the world. The aim of this study was to highlight the epidemiological, clinical and therapeutic profile of oral and maxillofacial surgery patients consulted using the WhatsApp application. Methodology: This was a three-year descriptive study with a retrospective data collection, from 2021 to 2023, of WhatsApp communications between our team and oral and maxillofacial surgeons in Cameroon. In this study, the type/content of messages received, the epidemiological data of practitioners and patients, the various pathologies diagnosed and the procedures performed were evaluated. Results: 319 communications were received for a total of 146 cases. Written messages associated with images (photographs and/or X-rays) were the most frequently received, at 85.62%. Hospitals in urban areas were the most represented at 93.84%. Oral health professionals in the private sector sent more messages (65.75%). In terms of diagnoses, tumour and cystic pathologies were the most common (28.08%), followed by impacted/retained teeth (22.6%). Patients were referred to our hospital for treatment in 62.33% of cases. Conclusion: The WhatsApp application is an easy-to-use telecommunications tool. It facilitates exchanges between practitioners and improves patient care in oral and maxillofacial surgery.展开更多
An electronic (web-based) questionnaire was devised to find out the extent of teleconsultation and e-mail use for patient-provided communications in dentistry. This project was carried out in 2011 inthe health care di...An electronic (web-based) questionnaire was devised to find out the extent of teleconsultation and e-mail use for patient-provided communications in dentistry. This project was carried out in 2011 inthe health care district of South-Ostrobothnia, in South-Western Finland.The questionnaire was sent by e-mail to all 120 regional dentists, to which 76 replies were obtained (response rate 63%). The responses indicated a surprisingly positive attitude towards teleconsultation. A clear majority of 91% indicated that it could bring additional benefits to the current consultation methods.This study revealed that a slight majority of dentists in the region use e-mail for patient communication and 53% used e-mail for consultation. Approximately 10% use videoconferencing for consultation.The study also revealed that the majority of those who do not yet use electronic consultation are willing to try them out in the future. Security issues are a concern for many dentists. Practically all respondents wish for written instructions on the use of electronic consultation.展开更多
文摘Introduction: Technological advances have greatly influenced the healthcare sector. The ability to transmit information and deliver services using telecommunication tools continues to transform the way healthcare is delivered around the world. The aim of this study was to highlight the epidemiological, clinical and therapeutic profile of oral and maxillofacial surgery patients consulted using the WhatsApp application. Methodology: This was a three-year descriptive study with a retrospective data collection, from 2021 to 2023, of WhatsApp communications between our team and oral and maxillofacial surgeons in Cameroon. In this study, the type/content of messages received, the epidemiological data of practitioners and patients, the various pathologies diagnosed and the procedures performed were evaluated. Results: 319 communications were received for a total of 146 cases. Written messages associated with images (photographs and/or X-rays) were the most frequently received, at 85.62%. Hospitals in urban areas were the most represented at 93.84%. Oral health professionals in the private sector sent more messages (65.75%). In terms of diagnoses, tumour and cystic pathologies were the most common (28.08%), followed by impacted/retained teeth (22.6%). Patients were referred to our hospital for treatment in 62.33% of cases. Conclusion: The WhatsApp application is an easy-to-use telecommunications tool. It facilitates exchanges between practitioners and improves patient care in oral and maxillofacial surgery.
基金funded by Seinajoki Central Hospital research foundation.
文摘An electronic (web-based) questionnaire was devised to find out the extent of teleconsultation and e-mail use for patient-provided communications in dentistry. This project was carried out in 2011 inthe health care district of South-Ostrobothnia, in South-Western Finland.The questionnaire was sent by e-mail to all 120 regional dentists, to which 76 replies were obtained (response rate 63%). The responses indicated a surprisingly positive attitude towards teleconsultation. A clear majority of 91% indicated that it could bring additional benefits to the current consultation methods.This study revealed that a slight majority of dentists in the region use e-mail for patient communication and 53% used e-mail for consultation. Approximately 10% use videoconferencing for consultation.The study also revealed that the majority of those who do not yet use electronic consultation are willing to try them out in the future. Security issues are a concern for many dentists. Practically all respondents wish for written instructions on the use of electronic consultation.
