Mobile Phone Use in Disaster, Conflict and Displacement: Difference between revisions
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== Introduction ==
== Introduction ==
Mobile device usage has steadily increased with around 95% of the global population having mobile coverage.   For marginalised individuals, mobile technologies help ensure more equitable resilience to disaster situations. Marginalised people encompass people with disabilities who are four times more likely to perish in disaster settings and women who are more vulnerable to disaster-ridden environments. <ref name=":1" /> In low-income countries, women are 10% less likely to own a mobile phone due to availability along with cultural, social, religious and attitude's towards women's rights. This exclusion from the digital world negatively affects women rescue opportunities in dangerous situations.<ref name=":0" />
Mobile device usage has steadily increased with around 95% of the global population having mobile coverage. For marginalised individuals, mobile technologies help ensure more equitable resilience in disaster situations. Marginalised groups include people with disabilities, who are four times more likely to perish in disaster settings, and women, who have been identified as more vulnerable in disaster settings.<ref name=":1" /> In low-income countries, women are 10% less likely to own a mobile phone. This exclusion from the digital world negatively impacts a woman's opportunity to be rescued in dangerous situations.<ref name=":0" />


== Humanitarian Crisis ==
== Humanitarian Crisis ==
In emergency humanitarian conditions, mobile phones can be used to inform and educate the public about the emergency and to disseminate information.<ref name=":1">Paul JD, Bee E, Budimir M. [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2212096321000255 Mobile phone technologies for disaster risk reduction]. Climate Risk Management. 2021 Jan 1;32:100296.</ref> Communities living in harsh living conditions can use their mobile phone apps or platforms for multiple uses including:  
In emergency humanitarian situations, mobile phones can be used to inform and educate the public about the emergency and to disseminate information.<ref name=":1">Paul JD, Bee E, Budimir M. [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2212096321000255 Mobile phone technologies for disaster risk reduction]. Climate Risk Management. 2021 Jan 1;32:100296.</ref> Communities living in harsh conditions can use their mobile phone apps or platforms to:  


* access up-to date information  
* access up-to date information  
* stay in touch with eachother
* stay in touch with each other
* report on life-threatening condition that requires emergency help  
* report on life-threatening conditions that require emergency help
* connect with humanitarian facilities<ref name=":0">Akhmatova DM, Akhmatova MS. [https://jhumanitarianaction.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s41018-020-00076-2 Promoting digital humanitarian action in protecting human rights: hope or hype]. Journal of International Humanitarian Action. 2020 Dec;5(1):1-7.</ref>  
* connect with humanitarian facilities<ref name=":0">Akhmatova DM, Akhmatova MS. [https://jhumanitarianaction.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s41018-020-00076-2 Promoting digital humanitarian action in protecting human rights: hope or hype]. Journal of International Humanitarian Action. 2020 Dec;5(1):1-7.</ref>  
Mobile phones become essential tools for refugees for identifying resources that can help navigate their journey and orient themselves to their resettlement complexities.  <ref name=":3">Alencar A. [https://compass.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/soc4.12802 Mobile communication and refugees: An analytical review of academic literature]. Sociology Compass. 2020 Aug;14(8):e12802.</ref>


== Refugees ==
For refugees fleeing their country, modern communication can provide some level of emotional support. <ref name=":2" />  Being able to store as much in the mobile device allows them  to avoid carrying maps, cash, documents, torches and dictionaries. <ref name=":6" />. Mobile phones can not only keep them in touch with their family at home but can help provide logistical information during the dangerous and stressful journey.<ref name=":2">Eide E. Mobile flight: [https://journal-njmr.org/articles/10.33134/njmr.250 Refugees and the importance of cell phones]. Nordic Journal of Migration Research. 2020 May 28;10(2).</ref>  Specific logistical guidance is needed regarding borders to cross, distance to cover, food, transportation and accommodations.<ref name=":3" />In addition to information and communication, mobile phone use can help provide refugees with information, surveillance, entertainment and diverson along their jouney.<ref name=":4">Alencar A, Kondova K, Ribbens W. [https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/0163443718813486 The smartphone as a lifeline: An exploration of refugees’ use of mobile communication technologies during their flight.] Media, Culture & Society. 2019 Sep;41(6):828-44.</ref> Refugees prioritise mobile ownership and connectivity as crucial for their safety.<ref name=":3" />


The video below by Ars Technica demonstrates how important the phone is for refugees:
Mobile phones have become essential tools for displaced persons to "navigate their migration journeys [...] and the complexities of life during resettlement".<ref name=":3">Alencar A. [https://compass.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/soc4.12802 Mobile communication and refugees: An analytical review of academic literature]. Sociology Compass. 2020 Aug;14(8):e12802.</ref>
 
== Displaced Persons ==
For displaced persons fleeing their country, modern communication can provide some level of emotional support.<ref name=":2" /> Having mobile phones also allows displaced persons to avoid carrying maps, cash, documents, torches and dictionaries.<ref name=":6" /> Mobile phones not only enable displaced persons to keep in touch with their family at home, they also provide logistical information during dangerous and stressful journeys.<ref name=":2">Eide E. Mobile flight: [https://journal-njmr.org/articles/10.33134/njmr.250 Refugees and the importance of cell phones]. Nordic Journal of Migration Research. 2020 May 28;10(2).</ref> Specific logistical guidance is often needed regarding borders to cross, distance to cover, food, transportation and accommodation.<ref name=":3" /> In addition to logistics and communication, mobile phone use can help provide refugees with information, surveillance, entertainment and diversions along their journey.<ref name=":4">Alencar A, Kondova K, Ribbens W. [https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/0163443718813486 The smartphone as a lifeline: An exploration of refugees’ use of mobile communication technologies during their flight.] Media, Culture & Society. 2019 Sep;41(6):828-44.</ref> Refugees prioritise mobile ownership and connectivity as crucial for their safety.<ref name=":3" />
 
The video below by Ars Technica demonstrates the importance of mobile phones for refugees:
{{#ev:youtube|SgK-JcaddBM}}
{{#ev:youtube|SgK-JcaddBM}}


=== Communication ===
== Communication ==
Mobile access allows refugees to keep their friends and families updated about their journey. Being able to text or call their loved ones provides emotional support through this perilous journey. Some refugees postpone communication until they reach their final destination. In this case, the mobile phone might be used to document memories of their experiences to share at a later date.<ref name=":3" />
Mobile access allows refugees to keep their friends and families updated about their journey. Texting or calling their loved ones provides emotional support through their journey. Some refugees postpone communication until they reach their final destination. In this case, mobile phones might be used to document memories of their experiences to share at a later date.<ref name=":3" />


=== Social Inclusion ===
== Social Inclusion ==
For refugees experiencing resettlement, the use mobile technologies has been correlated with social inclusion and opportunities to gain access to applicable information that support their daily lives.<ref name=":3" />Being able to connect with loved ones at home while establishing new relationships in their host communities develops a sense of belonging. The use of the phone acts as a virtual space to develop transcultural connections bridging the cultural gap between the local culture and refugees.<ref name=":5" />
For displaced persons experiencing resettlement, the use of mobile technologies has been associated with social inclusion and opportunities to gain access to information that supports daily life.<ref name=":3" /> Being able to connect with loved ones at home while establishing new relationships in host communities helps create a sense of belonging. A mobile phone acts as a virtual space to develop transcultural connections, bridging the cultural gap between the local culture and the displaced person.<ref name=":5" />


=== Social Network ===
== Social Network ==
Social media communication can connect migrants to fellow refugees in host countries providing them with logistical information about routes, transportation arrangements and accommodations. In addition these networks provide general information to help refugees navigate the following settlement issues:
Social media communication can connect migrants to fellow refugees in host countries, providing them with logistical information about routes, transportation arrangements and accommodation. In addition, these networks provide general information to help displaced persons navigate the following settlement issues:


* appropriate behaviours
* appropriate behaviour
* stype of dress
* style of dress
* rights
* rights
* citizenship
* citizenship
* supports services
* support services
* employment
* employment
* community housing
* community housing
* language learning programmes<ref name=":5">Dasuki S, Effah J. [https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/02681102.2021.1976714 Mobile phone use for social inclusion: the case of internally displaced people in Nigeria]. Information Technology for Development. 2022 Jul 3;28(3):532-57.</ref><ref name=":3" />
* language learning programmes<ref name=":5">Dasuki S, Effah J. [https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/02681102.2021.1976714 Mobile phone use for social inclusion: the case of internally displaced people in Nigeria]. Information Technology for Development. 2022 Jul 3;28(3):532-57.</ref><ref name=":3" />


=== Health ===
== Health ==
Mobile technologies can be used in a variety of ways to facilitate health inclusion. Refugees use online platforms to access health information, health support groups and to communicate with health care providers.<ref name=":5" />Subsequently, providers can monitor refugees health conditions virtually with the use of various apps.<ref name=":3" />
Mobile technologies can be used in a variety of ways to facilitate health inclusion. Displaced persons use online platforms to access health information, health support groups and to communicate with health care providers.<ref name=":5" /> Subsequently, providers can monitor a displaced person's health conditions virtually with the use of various apps.<ref name=":3" /><blockquote>" ... in healthcare, communication failures can directly or indirectly cause preventable harm. High-risk moments in communication may be during transitions of care, for instance, between care areas when patients are going from one area to another or shift changes; or relaying of orders, such as medication or treatments. Risks include any interaction which provides critical information about conditions and/or plan of care and they can be miscommunicated. That can lead to any delays in treatment or inappropriate therapies."
 
- Sue Piché, registered nurse</blockquote>


=== Politics ===
== Politics ==
Mobile phone use allows refugees to exercise their right to engage and express in political discussion in both their home country and their host society. Social media allows them to voice their opinion, advocate for refugee rights, influence policy and politics and engage in both offline and online activism.<ref name=":5" />
Mobile phone use can enable refugees to exercise their right to engage in political discussion. Social media allows them to voice their opinion, advocate for refugee rights, influence policy and politics and engage in both offline and online activism.<ref name=":5" />


== Issues ==
== Issues ==
Refugees claim mobile phones as a lifeline, however there are inherent risk with their use during the journey to resettlement.<ref name=":6">Mancini T, Sibilla F, Argiropoulos D, Rossi M, Everri M. [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6886855/ The opportunities and risks of mobile phones for refugees’ experience:] A scoping review. PloS one. 2019 Dec 2;14(12):e0225684.</ref>In exile, refugees may face issues of connectivity and surveillance.<ref name=":4" />
Displaced persons may claim mobile phones are a lifeline, but there are inherent risks with their use during the journey to resettlement.<ref name=":6">Mancini T, Sibilla F, Argiropoulos D, Rossi M, Everri M. [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6886855/ The opportunities and risks of mobile phones for refugees’ experience:] A scoping review. PloS one. 2019 Dec 2;14(12):e0225684.</ref> In exile, displaced persons may face issues of connectivity and surveillance.<ref name=":4" />
 
=== Connectivity ===
Access to the internet via Wi-Fi, SIM-cards and battery charging resources are unpredictable and fragile.<ref name=":4" /> The ability to recharge a phone during the migration journey becomes a question of life or death. Many refugees report that they continually share, change and swap batteries with each other so as to not be disconnected.<ref name=":6" /> Once in a resettlement community, displaced persons may experience difficulty using their mobile phones due to:
 
* limited financial resources, which impacts access to a reliable / stable mobile network
* the difficulty of getting a sim-card due to uncertain legal / immigration status
* local communication infrastructure in host country / community<ref name=":5" />
 
== Surveillance ==
Digital surveillance of displaced persons can be accomplished through smartphone use. Displaced persons can be tracked by the countries they have left or the countries they are going to and/or by human traffickers.<ref name=":6" /> To counteract this surveillance, refugees report using pseudonyms and avatars to try and protect their identities and intended routes and destinations from the government of their home country or other groups.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":3" />
 
== Clinical Considerations When Selecting a Suitable Mobile App ==
Security and privacy of client data and records are paramount in healthcare. This does not change when consulting via telehealth or when using a mobile app. Safety and security with video platforms is therefore extremely important and a necessity.
 
Countries and states have their own legislation, regulations and privacy acts related to health services. These can regulate how a client's personal information is handled and kept secure.  The rehabilitation professional may be held liable if sensitive information is not well-protected as the result of using a less secure or poor quality platform.<ref name=":7">Karen Finnin. What video platforms are suitable for telehealth. Published on 8 April 2020. Available from https://www.karenfinnin.com/what-video-platforms-are-suitable-for-telehealth/ (last accessed 13 November 2023)</ref>
 
A suitable mobile app must be:
 
* encrypted
* not interceptable
* not-hackable
 
=== Platform Security ===
The practitioner has to demonstrate that the selected platform is secure and private and if that changes in the future, a different platform needs to be considered. End to end encryption is necessary for video calls<ref name=":7" />. A comprehensive risk assessment should be done on the platform. Follow your country or state guidelines regarding General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)  and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).<ref>WebPT. The Rehab Therapist’s Guide to Practicing Telehealth.</ref>
 
==== GDPR ====
 
* implemented by the European Union (EU)
* highest levels of data security standards in the world
* although not healthcare specific - it incorporates the storage and transmission of patient health data
* Under GDPR:
** healthcare provider known as the "data controller"
* data controllers have specific legal obligations such as "the right to be forgotten" - this allows the data controller to delete patient info upon request<ref>GDPR.EU. Complete guide to GDPR compliance. Available from [https://gdpr.eu/ https://gdpr.eu/] (last accessed 13 November 2023)</ref>
 
==== HIPAA ====
 
* US law
* purpose of the act - ensure that the healthcare providers keep protected health information safe
* Under the act:
** health care providers are "HIPAA covered entity"
** providers of assistance and support to health care providers are "business associates"
* Requires health care providers (covered entity) that stores and conveys confidential health data through technology platforms, to sign a business agreement with the technology platform (business associate)
* HIPAA compliant platforms ensure that security requirements fall within HIPAA guidelines<ref>US Department of health and human services. Summary of the HIPAA Security Rule. Available from [https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-professionals/security/laws-regulations/index.html https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-professionals/security/laws-regulations/index.html] (last accessed 13 November 2023)</ref>
 
=== Common Publicly used Platforms ===
 
==== Zoom ====
 
* less streamlined interface
* download required for first-time use
* designed for meetings and webinars
* media-reports of security breaches of the platform - not ideal for health services where secure and private health information is conveyed
* calls may not be encrypted by default - the "Require Encryption for 3rd party Endpoints" setting needs to be switched on
* [https:/zoom.us/healthcare Zoom for Healthcare] - higher subscription fee. Integrates with some physiotherapy software and gives higher-level security with HIPAA compliance.
 
==== Facetime ====
 
* available anytime
* data from chat and video call on Facetime can be stored in your personal iCloud - this may lead to non-compliant and legislative issues on the storage of private and confidential health records<ref name=":7" />
* have had security flaws in the past
 
==== Skype ====
 
* reports of poor quality of calls
* privacy and security issues and vulnerabilities
 
==== Whatsapp ====


==== Connectivity ====
* application is connected to individual mobile phone numbers
Access to the internet via Wi-Fi, SIM-cards and battery charging resources are unpredictable and fragile.<ref name=":4" />The ability to recharge the phone during the refugee journey becomes a question of life or death.  Many refugees report that they continually share, change and swap batteries with eachother so as to not be disconnected.<ref name=":6" />   Once in a resettlement community, refugees face difficulty with mobile phone use due to:
* issues for data security and compliance
* reports of security issues and hacking<ref name=":7" />


* financial limitations on connnection service
==== Microsoft Teams ====
* difficulty of getting a sim-card due to their illegal status
* local communication infrastructure in host settlement<ref name=":5" />


=== Surveillance ===
* more secure than Skype
Digital surveillance of refugees by both state and non-state actors can be accomplished through the use of smartphones.  Refugees can be tracked by regimes with which they fled, and/or become victims of human traffickers.<ref name=":6" /> To counteract this surveillance, refugees report using pseudonyms and avatars to try and protect their identities and intended routes and destinations from the government of their home country and other hostile groups. <ref name=":4" /><ref name=":3" />
* set-up can be tricky
* user-friendliness can be an issue


=== Summary ===
== Summary ==
Mobile phone use provides opportunities for refugees too develop educational, social, linguistic, digital skills. Most importantly, smartphones promote social inclusion via a virtual double bond with one's own culture and with their new society,<ref name=":6" />
Mobile phone use provides opportunities for displaced persons to develop educational, social, linguistic, digital skills. Most importantly, smartphones promote social inclusion via a virtual double bond with an individual's own culture and their new society.<ref name=":6" /> When providing care for displaced person, there are many available mobile phone apps to help facilitate communication and continuity of care. It remains the responsibility of the healthcare provider to ensure the privacy and security of sensitive health information for clients.


This video by bbcmediaaction summarises the benefits and risks of cell phone use during a refugee's migration:
This video by BBC Media Action summarises the benefits and risks of cell phone use during a displaced person's migration:
{{#ev:youtube|m1BLsySgsHM}}
{{#ev:youtube|m1BLsySgsHM}}


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* [[Cultural Competence and Access to Healthcare for Displaced Persons]]
* [[Cultural Competence and Access to Healthcare for Displaced Persons]]
* [[Health Concerns for Displaced Persons]]
* [[Health Concerns for Displaced Persons]]
* [https://www.servalproject.org Serval Project]
* [https://acalltoendpoverty.weebly.com/tera.html Trilogy Emergency Response Application (TERA)]


== References ==
== References ==

Latest revision as of 12:24, 22 November 2023

Original Editor - Robin Tacchetti based on the course by Sue Piché
Top Contributors - Robin Tacchetti, Jess Bell, Stacy Schiurring, Kim Jackson and Vidya Acharya

Introduction[edit | edit source]

Mobile device usage has steadily increased with around 95% of the global population having mobile coverage. For marginalised individuals, mobile technologies help ensure more equitable resilience in disaster situations. Marginalised groups include people with disabilities, who are four times more likely to perish in disaster settings, and women, who have been identified as more vulnerable in disaster settings.[1] In low-income countries, women are 10% less likely to own a mobile phone. This exclusion from the digital world negatively impacts a woman's opportunity to be rescued in dangerous situations.[2]

Humanitarian Crisis[edit | edit source]

In emergency humanitarian situations, mobile phones can be used to inform and educate the public about the emergency and to disseminate information.[1] Communities living in harsh conditions can use their mobile phone apps or platforms to:

  • access up-to date information
  • stay in touch with each other
  • report on life-threatening conditions that require emergency help
  • connect with humanitarian facilities[2]


Mobile phones have become essential tools for displaced persons to "navigate their migration journeys [...] and the complexities of life during resettlement".[3]

Displaced Persons[edit | edit source]

For displaced persons fleeing their country, modern communication can provide some level of emotional support.[4] Having mobile phones also allows displaced persons to avoid carrying maps, cash, documents, torches and dictionaries.[5] Mobile phones not only enable displaced persons to keep in touch with their family at home, they also provide logistical information during dangerous and stressful journeys.[4] Specific logistical guidance is often needed regarding borders to cross, distance to cover, food, transportation and accommodation.[3] In addition to logistics and communication, mobile phone use can help provide refugees with information, surveillance, entertainment and diversions along their journey.[6] Refugees prioritise mobile ownership and connectivity as crucial for their safety.[3]

The video below by Ars Technica demonstrates the importance of mobile phones for refugees:

Communication[edit | edit source]

Mobile access allows refugees to keep their friends and families updated about their journey. Texting or calling their loved ones provides emotional support through their journey. Some refugees postpone communication until they reach their final destination. In this case, mobile phones might be used to document memories of their experiences to share at a later date.[3]

Social Inclusion[edit | edit source]

For displaced persons experiencing resettlement, the use of mobile technologies has been associated with social inclusion and opportunities to gain access to information that supports daily life.[3] Being able to connect with loved ones at home while establishing new relationships in host communities helps create a sense of belonging. A mobile phone acts as a virtual space to develop transcultural connections, bridging the cultural gap between the local culture and the displaced person.[7]

Social Network[edit | edit source]

Social media communication can connect migrants to fellow refugees in host countries, providing them with logistical information about routes, transportation arrangements and accommodation. In addition, these networks provide general information to help displaced persons navigate the following settlement issues:

  • appropriate behaviour
  • style of dress
  • rights
  • citizenship
  • support services
  • employment
  • community housing
  • language learning programmes[7][3]

Health[edit | edit source]

Mobile technologies can be used in a variety of ways to facilitate health inclusion. Displaced persons use online platforms to access health information, health support groups and to communicate with health care providers.[7] Subsequently, providers can monitor a displaced person's health conditions virtually with the use of various apps.[3]

" ... in healthcare, communication failures can directly or indirectly cause preventable harm. High-risk moments in communication may be during transitions of care, for instance, between care areas when patients are going from one area to another or shift changes; or relaying of orders, such as medication or treatments. Risks include any interaction which provides critical information about conditions and/or plan of care and they can be miscommunicated. That can lead to any delays in treatment or inappropriate therapies." - Sue Piché, registered nurse

Politics[edit | edit source]

Mobile phone use can enable refugees to exercise their right to engage in political discussion. Social media allows them to voice their opinion, advocate for refugee rights, influence policy and politics and engage in both offline and online activism.[7]

Issues[edit | edit source]

Displaced persons may claim mobile phones are a lifeline, but there are inherent risks with their use during the journey to resettlement.[5] In exile, displaced persons may face issues of connectivity and surveillance.[6]

Connectivity[edit | edit source]

Access to the internet via Wi-Fi, SIM-cards and battery charging resources are unpredictable and fragile.[6] The ability to recharge a phone during the migration journey becomes a question of life or death. Many refugees report that they continually share, change and swap batteries with each other so as to not be disconnected.[5] Once in a resettlement community, displaced persons may experience difficulty using their mobile phones due to:

  • limited financial resources, which impacts access to a reliable / stable mobile network
  • the difficulty of getting a sim-card due to uncertain legal / immigration status
  • local communication infrastructure in host country / community[7]

Surveillance[edit | edit source]

Digital surveillance of displaced persons can be accomplished through smartphone use. Displaced persons can be tracked by the countries they have left or the countries they are going to and/or by human traffickers.[5] To counteract this surveillance, refugees report using pseudonyms and avatars to try and protect their identities and intended routes and destinations from the government of their home country or other groups.[6][3]

Clinical Considerations When Selecting a Suitable Mobile App[edit | edit source]

Security and privacy of client data and records are paramount in healthcare. This does not change when consulting via telehealth or when using a mobile app. Safety and security with video platforms is therefore extremely important and a necessity.

Countries and states have their own legislation, regulations and privacy acts related to health services. These can regulate how a client's personal information is handled and kept secure. The rehabilitation professional may be held liable if sensitive information is not well-protected as the result of using a less secure or poor quality platform.[8]

A suitable mobile app must be:

  • encrypted
  • not interceptable
  • not-hackable

Platform Security[edit | edit source]

The practitioner has to demonstrate that the selected platform is secure and private and if that changes in the future, a different platform needs to be considered. End to end encryption is necessary for video calls[8]. A comprehensive risk assessment should be done on the platform. Follow your country or state guidelines regarding General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).[9]

GDPR[edit | edit source]

  • implemented by the European Union (EU)
  • highest levels of data security standards in the world
  • although not healthcare specific - it incorporates the storage and transmission of patient health data
  • Under GDPR:
    • healthcare provider known as the "data controller"
  • data controllers have specific legal obligations such as "the right to be forgotten" - this allows the data controller to delete patient info upon request[10]

HIPAA[edit | edit source]

  • US law
  • purpose of the act - ensure that the healthcare providers keep protected health information safe
  • Under the act:
    • health care providers are "HIPAA covered entity"
    • providers of assistance and support to health care providers are "business associates"
  • Requires health care providers (covered entity) that stores and conveys confidential health data through technology platforms, to sign a business agreement with the technology platform (business associate)
  • HIPAA compliant platforms ensure that security requirements fall within HIPAA guidelines[11]

Common Publicly used Platforms[edit | edit source]

Zoom[edit | edit source]

  • less streamlined interface
  • download required for first-time use
  • designed for meetings and webinars
  • media-reports of security breaches of the platform - not ideal for health services where secure and private health information is conveyed
  • calls may not be encrypted by default - the "Require Encryption for 3rd party Endpoints" setting needs to be switched on
  • [https:/zoom.us/healthcare Zoom for Healthcare] - higher subscription fee. Integrates with some physiotherapy software and gives higher-level security with HIPAA compliance.

Facetime[edit | edit source]

  • available anytime
  • data from chat and video call on Facetime can be stored in your personal iCloud - this may lead to non-compliant and legislative issues on the storage of private and confidential health records[8]
  • have had security flaws in the past

Skype[edit | edit source]

  • reports of poor quality of calls
  • privacy and security issues and vulnerabilities

Whatsapp[edit | edit source]

  • application is connected to individual mobile phone numbers
  • issues for data security and compliance
  • reports of security issues and hacking[8]

Microsoft Teams[edit | edit source]

  • more secure than Skype
  • set-up can be tricky
  • user-friendliness can be an issue

Summary[edit | edit source]

Mobile phone use provides opportunities for displaced persons to develop educational, social, linguistic, digital skills. Most importantly, smartphones promote social inclusion via a virtual double bond with an individual's own culture and their new society.[5] When providing care for displaced person, there are many available mobile phone apps to help facilitate communication and continuity of care. It remains the responsibility of the healthcare provider to ensure the privacy and security of sensitive health information for clients.

This video by BBC Media Action summarises the benefits and risks of cell phone use during a displaced person's migration:

Resources[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Paul JD, Bee E, Budimir M. Mobile phone technologies for disaster risk reduction. Climate Risk Management. 2021 Jan 1;32:100296.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Akhmatova DM, Akhmatova MS. Promoting digital humanitarian action in protecting human rights: hope or hype. Journal of International Humanitarian Action. 2020 Dec;5(1):1-7.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 3.7 Alencar A. Mobile communication and refugees: An analytical review of academic literature. Sociology Compass. 2020 Aug;14(8):e12802.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 Eide E. Mobile flight: Refugees and the importance of cell phones. Nordic Journal of Migration Research. 2020 May 28;10(2).
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 Mancini T, Sibilla F, Argiropoulos D, Rossi M, Everri M. The opportunities and risks of mobile phones for refugees’ experience: A scoping review. PloS one. 2019 Dec 2;14(12):e0225684.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 Alencar A, Kondova K, Ribbens W. The smartphone as a lifeline: An exploration of refugees’ use of mobile communication technologies during their flight. Media, Culture & Society. 2019 Sep;41(6):828-44.
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 Dasuki S, Effah J. Mobile phone use for social inclusion: the case of internally displaced people in Nigeria. Information Technology for Development. 2022 Jul 3;28(3):532-57.
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 Karen Finnin. What video platforms are suitable for telehealth. Published on 8 April 2020. Available from https://www.karenfinnin.com/what-video-platforms-are-suitable-for-telehealth/ (last accessed 13 November 2023)
  9. ↑ WebPT. The Rehab Therapist’s Guide to Practicing Telehealth.
  10. ↑ GDPR.EU. Complete guide to GDPR compliance. Available from https://gdpr.eu/ (last accessed 13 November 2023)
  11. ↑ US Department of health and human services. Summary of the HIPAA Security Rule. Available from https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-professionals/security/laws-regulations/index.html (last accessed 13 November 2023)
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