Medicina Universitaria (Oct 2022)

Experience of WhatsApp uses in the follow-up of pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia survivors during the COVID-19 pandemic

  • Samantha Fierro-Sáenz,
  • Lilia E. Carrizales-Torres,
  • Yajaira V. Jimenez-Antolinez,
  • Hernán Ramírez-Durán,
  • Julia E. Colunga-Pedraza,
  • Óscar González-Llano

DOI
https://doi.org/10.24875/RMU.22000052
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 24, no. 4

Abstract

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Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic, restrictions on carrying out face-to-face consultations were implemented. Thus, the performance of “long-distance consultations” (telemedicine) through different virtual platforms was implemented. Aim: The aim of the study was to document the experience with the mobile messaging application “WhatsApp” on the continuation of follow-up on acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) survivors. Material and methods: A prospective, observational, and descriptive study of a telemedicine model using the WhatsApp application in the follow-up of pediatric ALL survivors at the Pediatric Hematology Department of the “Dr. José Eleuterio González” University Hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study was carried out from March 2020 to March 2021. The patients were divided into two groups: those already under surveillance before the pandemic and those who began surveillance during the pandemic. Results: Seventy-three ALL survivors were included in the study, and follow-up was successfully carried out on 82.1% of patients. There were no relapses in the first group. However, three patients had a bone-marrow relapse in the second group. Conclusion: Follow-up of pediatric ALL survivors is essential for the suitable detection of relapses and long-term side effects of treatment. The use of the WhatsApp application aided us in the follow-up of patients during the COVID-19 pandemic when social distancing was mandatory.

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