Smart-phone based telemedicine: Instant messaging application as a platform for radiographic interpretations of jaw pathologies

Medhini Madi; Mathangi Kumar; Kalyana Chakravarthy Pentapati; Ravindranath Vineetha

doi:10.1016/j.jobcr.2021.04.003

Smart-phone based telemedicine: Instant messaging application as a platform for radiographic interpretations of jaw pathologies

J Oral Biol Craniofac Res. 2021 Jul-Sep;11(3):368-372. doi: 10.1016/j.jobcr.2021.04.003. Epub 2021 Apr 14.

Authors

Medhini Madi¹, Mathangi Kumar¹, Kalyana Chakravarthy Pentapati², Ravindranath Vineetha¹

Affiliations

¹ Department of Oral Medicine & Radiology, Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104, Karnataka, India.
² Department of Public Health Dentistry, Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104, Karnataka, India.

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the reliability of WhatsApp in comparison to the images viewed on a workstation monitor (gold standard) for the identification and interpretation of radiographic images of jaw pathologies.

Methods: 150 panoramic radiographs were screened for the assessment of jaw pathologies in the workstation monitor. The radiographs were sent to two observers (Observer A and B) via WhatsApp® Messenger which were viewed independently on smartphones. A structured proforma was prepared to evaluate the radiographs for the presence or absence of various radiographic pathological characteristics.

Results: The reliability of WhatsApp for observers A and B concerning various characteristics like vital structures, pathological fractures, periodontal ligament widening, and root resorption indicated almost perfect agreement (0.8-0.97). The Kappa coefficients for WhatsApp for observers A and B for pre-categorized radiographic impressions were 0.95 and 0.97 which indicated almost perfect agreement.

Conclusion: WhatsApp based expert teleradiology consultation can be a suitable and effective alternative for radiographic interpretations.

Keywords: Instant messaging applications; Teledentistry; Teleradiology; WhatsApp.