TITLE:
The WhatsApp Application as a Teledentistry Tool in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery in Cameroon
AUTHORS:
Karl Guy Grégoire Kwedi, Ruth Karen Katia Kwedi, Fred-Cyrille Goethe Doualla, Charles Eboa Kwedi, Charles Bengondo Messanga
KEYWORDS:
Teledentistry, WhatsApp, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Cameroon
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Stomatology,
Vol.14 No.8,
August
8,
2024
ABSTRACT: Introduction: Technological advances have greatly influenced the healthcare sector. The ability to transmit information and deliver services using telecommunication tools continues to transform the way healthcare is delivered around the world. The aim of this study was to highlight the epidemiological, clinical and therapeutic profile of oral and maxillofacial surgery patients consulted using the WhatsApp application. Methodology: This was a three-year descriptive study with a retrospective data collection, from 2021 to 2023, of WhatsApp communications between our team and oral and maxillofacial surgeons in Cameroon. In this study, the type/content of messages received, the epidemiological data of practitioners and patients, the various pathologies diagnosed and the procedures performed were evaluated. Results: 319 communications were received for a total of 146 cases. Written messages associated with images (photographs and/or X-rays) were the most frequently received, at 85.62%. Hospitals in urban areas were the most represented at 93.84%. Oral health professionals in the private sector sent more messages (65.75%). In terms of diagnoses, tumour and cystic pathologies were the most common (28.08%), followed by impacted/retained teeth (22.6%). Patients were referred to our hospital for treatment in 62.33% of cases. Conclusion: The WhatsApp application is an easy-to-use telecommunications tool. It facilitates exchanges between practitioners and improves patient care in oral and maxillofacial surgery.