Mobile phone photo messaging assisted communication in the assessment of hand trauma

Background: The aim of the present study was to incorporate the use of mobile phone photo-messaging into clinical practice, in order to explore its potential advantages and limitations in the context of communication between the registrar and consultant for the assessment of hand trauma. Methods: Two Nokia 7650 mobile phones (Nokia, Sydney, Australia) were obtained. These were used for correspondence between the registrar and the consultant for all hand trauma seen in the emergency department over a 2-month period. Results: There were 27 cases recorded. Deductions were drawn form the use of the phone and the collected data was qualitatively interpreted. Conclusion: The present paper describes our findings and approval of the use of mobile phones with photo-messaging capabilities for the purpose of enhancing communication in a clinical setting. Low cost and ease of use make the phones easily incorporated into clinical practice.