Messaging across borders: WhatsApp as a tool for global burn surgery collaboration

Burn injuries contribute significantly to the burden of disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) lost in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs), where the rate of burn care providers per capita is notably deficient. Virtual crowdsourcing has proven to be an effective, low-cost method to facilitate provider consultation and improve patient care in plastic surgery, yet its potential remains unexplored in the context of improving global burn care access. In analyzing cases discussed in a WhatsApp group utilized by burn surgeons from LMICs and high-income countries, this study aims to explore the potential of mobile instant messaging (MiM) as a means of consultation and connection in global burn care.

Cases discussed in the WhatsApp Burn Surgery Group from its inception on November 29, 2018 to December 23, 2023 were analyzed. Data concerning consultation metrics, case characteristics, and patient demographics were captured.

A total of 94 active and past cases were analyzed for content. 89 % of cases involved active patient management, with authors seeking real-time input on next steps. The median and mean time to consultation for cases presented were 6 min and 47 min, respectively. The average number of respondents per case was 8. Craniofacial and hand burns were the most frequently discussed anatomical regions across presented cases.

There is initial encouraging evidence that MiM functions effectively as a consultation platform among burn surgeons across the globe, highlighting the need for further research regarding its potential to improve global burn care provision.