The Efficacy of Online Communication Platforms for Plastic Surgeons Providing Extended Disaster Relief

Background & Purpose:

Immediately after the January 12, 2010 earthquake in Haiti, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine established a field hospital providing extended disaster relief.¹ Plastic surgeons throughout the United States provided services on a weekly-basis for a period of 5 months. Procedures encompassed soft tissue wounds, craniomaxillofacial trauma, reconstruction of early and late burn wounds and contractures. As an innovative approach to improve overall surgical care and promote awareness of the crucial role played by plastic surgeons, an online communication platform (OCP) was designed and utilized.

OCP is a web-based application combining web logging, picture uploading, news posting, and private messaging systems into one platform.  A recent study demonstrated that computer-based communication interventions improve a number of secondary patient outcomes.² To the best of our knowledge, no study exists on the use of OCP during disaster relief.  The purpose of this study is to analyze such online communication platforms.

Methods:

All surgeries performed from January 13 to May 28, 2010, were documented.  A password protected OCP was established on February 26, 2010. Web traffic was documented and categorized by direct link, referral site, or search engine.  An anonymous, web-based, 17-question survey was administered to eighteen plastic surgeons that had used the OCP after 1 year to assess surgeon attitudes and perceptions.

Results:

From January 13 to May 28, 2010, 413 operations were performed at the field hospital (table 1).³  46.9% of the overall number of procedures were performed by the plastic surgery teams. The OCP has had 737 visits with 268 absolute unique visitors (table 3).  Of 17 plastic surgeons, 71% responded that the OCP improved follow-up and continuity of care by debriefing rotating plastic surgery teams (table 2).  100% claim the OCP conveyed the role of plastic surgeons with the public.

Conclusion:

Results demonstrate the necessity and usefulness of OCPs for plastic surgeons during disaster relief. Survey results also provided constructive input for OCP design and management improvement. Our OCP permitted the secure exchange of surgical management details, follow-up, photos, and miscellaneous necessary recommendations. In addition, experiences and field hospital progress posted on the online platform assisted in generating substantial awareness among our colleagues and the general public regarding the significant role and contribution played by plastic surgeons during disaster relief.