WhatsApp in mHealth: an e-learning tool in the COVID-19 era to share dynamic images in hemodynamics

Abstract

Background: COVID-19 has stimulated distance learning activities. This activity becomes particularly difficult when it comes to supporting internship activities. This applies to all study courses and to degree courses focused on Health Care. The study proposed here takes place as part of one of these degree courses and focuses on internship activities related to diagnostic imaging. Methods: The study refers to an architecture previously proposed for the exchange of dynamic images (among the most complex) in hemodynamics through mHealth solutions based on WhatsApp and proposes: (I) the integration of architecture into a distance learning model; (II) evaluation of the model on the actors involved (students and tutors). Results: The mHealth model has been configured. The assessment of the model in terms of acceptance on two independent groups of 15 students showed a high statistical significance and returned useful and positive comments/observations for the use during the pandemic period and future applications after the end of the pandemic in routine use. Conclusions: From a global point of view this contribution demonstrates our alignment with the scholars in the field with regards to the use of WhatsApp in medical imaging and didactics. Furthermore, the study suggests: a reinforcement of the research actions: (I) to face simple solutions (e.g., WhatsApp) to allow the use of tele-imaging; (II) the use of these solutions in didactics also to free the laboratories.