Evaluation of the use of whatsapp application for the workplace communication in the health sector by the AHP method

Introduction: The technology that develops at a fast pace nowadays brings with it many conveniences. Among the smart devices, the smart mobile phones we use the most intensely are not only in our daily lives but also as an indispensable part of our business life. Instant messaging with smartphones is being used increasingly in terms of advantages offered by us in business communications. Objective: In this study, it is aimed to determine the reasons for using the WhatsApp application in the workplace communication of the personnel working in the health sector in our country and at the same time the importance order of the positive and objectionable aspects of the use of the application. Method: The personnel working in the health field were investigated in three different groups (nurse, assistant manager/manager and unit manager/expert) and a questionnaire prepared by using Saaty's 1-9 scale was applied. The results of the questionnaires were analyzed on a group basis by the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) method. Consistency results for the reliability of the data were found to be lower than 0.1. Findings: It has been determined that the most important use of the application is to "announce/inform". For all three groups; (nurse: 0,181; experts: 0,247; managers: 0,204), the first among the objectionable aspects is “the loss of the concept of overtime due to the fact that people are available 24 hours a day” (nurse: 0,164, experts: 0,200, managers: 0,148) were observed in the study population. Conclusion: Healthcare workers use the WhatsApp application widely for workplace communication. Although the application makes positive contributions to the business life, the negative aspects of use should not be overlooked