To this question, my answers come from the fact that my phone is smart and therefore is similar to a hand-held computer with connectivity to internet so long as there is power, network and data: Yes, I use my phone to search for healthcare information; and Yes, to track supplies and despatches. And because we are told that Whatsapp messages are encrypted, I have used it on occasions to refer patients to known medical colleagues, especially when out of the office. Even then, there are certain details that I leave out for direct communication to the colleagues (there is still the fear/uncertainty about securing confidentiality). I also ensure that my phone has a code (PIN) that allows me open it for use, and it has anti virus cover to prevent hacking!!
I believe that this area of information management in healthcare is still developing and time will tell how far we as clinicians can go with it.
Joseph Ana.
Prof Joseph Ana
Lead Senior Fellow/ medical consultant.
Africa Center for Clinical Governance Research & Patient Safety (ACCGR&PS)
P: +234 (0) 8063600642
E: info@hri-global.org
8 Amaku Street, State Housing & 20 Eta Agbor Road,
Calabar, Nigeria.
www.hri-global.org
HIFA profile: Joseph Ana is the Lead Consultant and Trainer at the Africa Centre for Clinical Governance Research and Patient Safety in Calabar, Nigeria, established by HRI Global (former HRIWA). In 2015 he won the NMA Award of Excellence for establishing 12-Pillar Clinical Governance, Quality and Safety initiative in Nigeria. He has been the pioneer Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) National Committee on Clinical Governance and Research since 2012. He is also Chairman of the Quality & Performance subcommittee of the Technical Working Group for the implementation of the Nigeria Health Act. He is a pioneer Trustee-Director of the NMF (Nigerian Medical Forum) which took the BMJ to West Africa in 1995. He is particularly interested in strengthening health systems for quality and safety in LMICs. He has written Five books on the 12-Pillar Clinical Governance for LMICs, including a TOOLS for Implementation. He established the Department of Clinical Governance, Servicom & e-health in the Cross River State Ministry of Health, Nigeria in 2007. Website: www.hri-global.org. Joseph is a member of the HIFA Steering Group and the HIFA working group on Community Health Workers.
Website: www.hri-global.com Joseph is a member of the HIFA Steering Group and the HIFA working group on Community Health Workers.
http://www.hifa.org/support/members/joseph-0
http://www.hifa.org/people/steering-group
Email: info@hri-global.org and jneana@yahoo.co.uk
