Aadi Pandya, Mohamed E. Elrggal, Kenar D. Jhaveri

Summary

Advances in information technology have changed human interactions. These changes have had considerable implications for nonmedical and medical educational practices. The use of semi-private applications such as WhatsApp (Mountain View, CA), Slack (Canada), Viber (Israel), and Google Hangouts (Mountain View, CA) has not been well studied in nephrology education. In this narrative review, we review the literature on the use of these communication applications in medicine and nephrology education. Although many of these applications might be used currently in nephrology, there is little published data regarding the use of WhatsApp in nephrology fellowship. Given the easy accessibility of these communication applications by our learners in medical school, residency, and fellowship, the use of such applications can enhance nephrology education.

Tweet of note

The latest issue in seminars about Nephrology in social media Carries a message, all authors were connected using social media, thru @NSMCInternship, @Twitter @NephJC @WhatsApp and other social media platforms. A complete issue was established from social media connections.
— Mohamed E. Elrggal (@M_Elraggal) June 17, 2020

another tweet

https://t.co/yYmMvdhYlG Thanks @kidney_boy for this entire issue on social media in nephrology and allowing us to write on semi private apps in #neph #meded. First author is a local high school student - hope a future physician and @M_Elraggal
— Kenar Jhaveri (@kdjhaveri) June 21, 2020

Visual Abstract

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Use of Semiprivate Smartphone Communication Applications in Nephrology Education