Chat messenger use in the care of patients with Parkinson's disease

• Published in: Nervenarzt Vol. 95; no. 8; p. 714
• Main Authors: Naegele, A, Schwaninger, I, Toenges, L, Eggers, C, Warnecke, T, Weigand, C, Klucken, J
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: German
• Published: Germany 01-08-2024
• Subjects: Physician-patient communication; Electronic patient files; Telemedicine; Data protection; Digital healthcare technologies
• ISSN: 1433-0407; 1433-0407
• DOI: 10.1007/s00115-024-01686-6

The demand for chat messaging apps for communication between physicians, therapists and patients is increasing. The expectations for this form of communication and uncertainties regarding introduction and use are heterogeneous.
The implementation of chat messengers in the care of patients with Parkinson's disease should be facilitated by recommendations regarding introduction and usage.
Semi-structured interviews with neurologists and physiotherapists were conducted to capture the expectations and needs regarding the use of chat messengers. From the data analysis, recommendations were derived.
The expectations for technical functionality exceeded the chat messenger functions. This concerns, e.g., the connection of the chat messenger to the electronic patient file. There is a great deal of uncertainty, particularly when it comes to the applicable General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR). The recommendations relating to the use of chat messengers, data protection aspects, the design of such tools and methodological considerations can help to implement the tool as an additional communication channel.
Practical recommendations regarding functionality, the use of chat messengers in everyday life and in relation to data protection are derived from the results. By improving knowledge, physicians and therapists can contribute to the successful establishment of chat messengers as an additional communication tool.