PG93 COVID19 Pandemic – the use of instant messaging apps as a novel education method

BackgroundThe COVID19 pandemic led to widespread disruption to training resulting in the traditional system of organised group teaching not being able to take place. Within the Bradford Royal Infirmary Emergency Department (BRIED), a WhatsApp group was used, for teaching and to disseminate information and rapidly changing policies regarding management of patient’s with COVID19. We aim to discuss the reception of this teaching method within our department and any issues surrounding this.Summary of WorkThis study took place in the BRIED in April and May 2020. The Trust research assessment tool deemed ethics panel approval was not necessary. Semi structured interviews were carried out with junior doctors to obtain their views. Participants were given a written information sheet and consent form. Data was collected by audio recordings of interviews or by written response to a specified set of questions. Interviews and questionnaires ceased being conducted when no new themes were emerging from the data. The interviews were carried out by the same investigators.Summary of ResultsBRIED already had an informal longstanding WhatsApp group. During the COVID19 pandemic the level of activity has increased dramatically.Four doctors working in BRIED were interviewed or completed questionnaires regarding the use of WhatsApp.Responses showed that junior doctors felt that the WhatsApp group was an effective to disseminate information quickly, particularly with the daily changes to COVID19 patient management. There were advantages of the junior doctors receiving messages on their phone as this allowed it to be referred to when they were on shift. Short educational videos produced by senior team members on topics such as non-invasive ventilation initiation were also well received. Concerns were raised that some updates were sent either late at night or when the junior doctor was not working, and hence the border between personal and work life became blurred, with respondents stating it was difficult to switch off from work.Conclusions and RecommendationsFrom our study there are aspects of that have been successful, and well received by trainees. However, as with all modern technology, the ‘blurring’ of work and private life is a delicate balance. Addressing this is key to the successful use of future platforms for teaching. Ongoing use should be looked at to help facilitate education that is on-demand easily accessible.