Journal of Education and Health Promotion

Using instant messaging applications to promote clinical teaching of medical students

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

. Mohammadreza Saeedbakhsh
. Athar Omid 1
. Mahsa Khodadoostan 2
. Ahmad Shavakhi 2
. Peyman Adibi 3

1 Department of Medical Education, Medical Education Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

2 Department of Internal Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

3 Department of Internal Medicine, Isfahan Gastroenterology and Hepatology Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

Abstract
BACKGROUND: The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of Telegram as an Instant
messaging application in clinical teaching of medical students, especially clinical ward rounds.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this quasi‑experimental study, Telegram as an Instant messaging
application was employed. To do this, a Telegram group entitled as “Lavender” was created and then
selected patients were divided between students and externs daily. After that, students and externs
were asked to take medical histories, perform complete physical examinations, and then share their
data in the Lavender group. Ultimately, to evaluate the effects of this intervention, two quantitative
and qualitative approaches were used.
RESULTS: From the students’ point of view the highest average was associated with “Readiness
for teaching round” (3.71 ± 1.34) and the lowest average was related to “Time‑saving for studying
about illnesses” (2.08 ± 1.44). In addition, medical trainees mentioned that reporting patients’ daily
medical histories and progress notes could create a reflective process. The suggestion made by
many medical trainees was to select and discuss simpler cases who have more teaching points
for them, while other trainees recommended focusing on common illnesses in the Lavender group.
CONCLUSION: The use of messaging software applications such as Telegram in medical education
has created a new paradigm, which could facilitate interpersonal interactions among trainees.

Keywords

Clinical teaching
instant messaging application
medical students
online software
ward round
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Journal of Education and Health Promotion
Volume 12, Issue 7
August 2022
Pages 1-9

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