Secure Instant Messaging Application in Prenatal Care.

ABSTRACT

The use of mobile phone for medical purposes is rapidly expanding as the number of medical applications rise. Studies show improvement of patient management and communication between medical team members using instant messaging applications. There are currently several smartphone applications routinely used by doctors and nurses. WhatsApp is by far the most common, however, it has several limitations when it comes to medical confidentiality. The aim of this paper is to introduce "Siilo" as an alternative secure messaging application and its advantages in the medical field, specifically in obstetrics. The typical course of consultation for an abnormal fetal finding is very long, cumbersome, frustrating and depends a lot on the patient, whereas, via Siilo the process is fast, efficient, depends more on the medical caregivers and helps ensuring minimum lost to follow-up. This paper demonstrates for the first time the utility of the use of Siilo application in medical management.