TXT@WORK: Pediatric Hospitalists and Text Messaging
Stephanie Kuhlmann, DO, FAAP, Carolyn R. Ahlers-Schmidt, PhD, and Erik Steinberger, BS University of Kansas School of Medicine—Wichita, Wichita, Kansas.
Abstract Background: Many studies assess provider–patient communication through text messaging; however, minimal research has addressed communication among physicians. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of text messaging by pediatric hospitalists. Materials and Methods: A brief, anonymous, electronic survey was distributed through the American Academy of Pediatrics Section on Hospital Medicine Listserv in February 2012. Survey questions assessed work-related text messaging. Results: Of the 106 pediatric hospitalist respondents, 97 met inclusion criteria. Most were female (73%) and had been in practice 10 years) and gender were conducted for the following variables: frequency of work-related text messages sent and received on call and when not on call, receipt of text messages including protected health information (PHI), availability of encryption software, preferred form of brief communication, and whether they believed pagers were becoming obsolete. Where expected frequency was
Stephanie Kuhlmann, DO, FAAP, Carolyn R. Ahlers-Schmidt, PhD, and Erik Steinberger, BS University of Kansas School of Medicine—Wichita, Wichita, Kansas.
Abstract Background: Many studies assess provider–patient communication through text messaging; however, minimal research has addressed communication among physicians. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of text messaging by pediatric hospitalists. Materials and Methods: A brief, anonymous, electronic survey was distributed through the American Academy of Pediatrics Section on Hospital Medicine Listserv in February 2012. Survey questions assessed work-related text messaging. Results: Of the 106 pediatric hospitalist respondents, 97 met inclusion criteria. Most were female (73%) and had been in practice 10 years) and gender were conducted for the following variables: frequency of work-related text messages sent and received on call and when not on call, receipt of text messages including protected health information (PHI), availability of encryption software, preferred form of brief communication, and whether they believed pagers were becoming obsolete. Where expected frequency was
