WhatsApp messaging for sharing best practices and prevention of professional isolation: A case of HIV nurse practitioners in Zambia

Abstract

Social media is not only an emerging and cultural trend, but a method of communication that is changing the way individuals and organizations throughout the world transmit and receive information. Nurses play a significant role in identification, interpretation, and transmission of knowledge and information within the health care system. Social mobile media spaces provide a platform that can assist both qualified and student nurses keep in touch with each other and share best practices and prevent isolation for those placed in far flung areas of the country.Data were obtained from WhatsApp discussions involving one group of HIV nurse practitioners followed for a period of six weeks. Data analysis was conducted by the lead investigators and took the form of thematic analysis. The data were constantly compared with the codes in order that the shift in the meaning is minimized and accuracy and confirmability is maintained. Ethical approval was obtained from the University of Zambia, School of Medicine’s Research Ethics Committee. Anonymity was maintained through the use of pseudonyms. The results revealed that social media as tool of communication in Zambia has been used by HIV Nurse Practitioners in both urban and rural areas for sharing best practices and prevention of professional isolation. The tool is also used for emotional and social support as well as a source of motivation for its users. Mobile Instant Messaging (MIM) is a resource that can benefit the nursing profession in keeping abreast with the new trends in the care of patients and prevention of professional isolation. However, it is important to ensure that the interaction is structured to prevent digression from the core purpose which might lead to loss of direction.