Integrated secure messaging to enhance medical education: a mixed methods study

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Health Informatics
• Team Communication

Background:

• Standard instant messaging and texting apps pose patient privacy risks and limit student involvement in care communication.
• Electronic Medical Record (EMR)-integrated secure messaging presents a solution for enhanced student education and team collaboration.
• Secure messaging can ensure patient privacy while including students in critical communication.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the use of EPIC® Secure Chat for improving medical student education and team communication.
• To assess the impact of secure messaging on student perceptions of communication quality and involvement.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods study conducted from July 2019 to March 2020.
• Utilized pre- and post-rotation surveys to gauge student perceptions of secure messaging.
• Directly reviewed and categorized messages to analyze communication content and logistics.

Main Results:

• Significant improvement in student-reported communication quality with faculty (50% to 91%, p<0.001).
• 86% of students felt secure messaging enhanced their communication with faculty.
• Message analysis revealed logistical discussions alongside patient management topics, indicating student inclusion.

Conclusions:

• Students perceived EPIC® Secure Chat positively, reporting improved communication and educational experiences.
• Secure messaging effectively includes students in patient care conversations, enhancing their learning.
• EMR-integrated secure messaging is a valuable tool for improving team communication, medical education, and patient privacy.