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

• Published in: Medicina Universitaria Vol. 24; no. 4
• Main Authors: Samantha Fierro-Sáenz, Lilia E. Carrizales-Torres, Yajaira V. Jimenez-Antolinez, Hernán Ramírez-Durán, Julia E. Colunga-Pedraza, Óscar González-Llano
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Permanyer 09.01.2023
• Subjects: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Surveillance. Telemedicine. COVID-19. Pandemic
• ISSN: 1665-5796; 1665-5796
• DOI: 10.24875/RMU.22000052

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.