Multi-tier mobile social platform improves communication and satisfaction among faculty and residents in an orthopaedic department

Background: Outdated communication methods in the medical field, such as pagers and telephones, have given way to smart phone based apps. The aim of this study was to test effectiveness of and satisfaction with a multi-tier smartphone based communication system. Methods: 30 participants of the orthopaedic surgery unit of PDDYP hospital were recruited. A multi-tier smart phone based communication system was established and questionnaires were used to assess effectiveness and satisfaction with the system over a 6 month period. Results: Response rate was 100%. There was significant improvement with effectiveness and satisfaction with communication between team members post implementation of the new multi-tier communication system. Conclusions: We advocate the use of a multi-tier smart phone based communication system to improve effectiveness and satisfaction with communication between team members in orthopaedic surgery.