Using instant messaging apps in nursing: the pros and cons

Services such as WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger are a part of daily life, but how should they be used in healthcare settings, and are there risks to confidentiality?

• Mainstream free-to-use messaging services can be used to keep in touch with groups of colleagues, share work-related information and contact patients
• However, critics say they can infringe on work-life balance and put patient confidentiality and data protection at risk
• Find out about the guidance on their use, ways to establish safe working practices and other options for healthcare providers and teams

The ping of instant messaging app notifications on a smartphone is a soundtrack to many people’s lives.

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