Electronic Patient-Physician Communication: Problems and Promise

Mandl, Kenneth D.; Kohane, Isaac S.; Brandt, Allan M.

doi:10.7326/0003-4819-129-6-199809150-00012

Cited by 188 publications

(108 citation statements)

References 39 publications

(12 reference statements)

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“…[1][2][3] Online, parents can search the medical literature, 4,5 have access to self-help support groups, 6 and even communicate with medical experts using e-mail. 2,7,8 Many people own or have access to a computer either at home or in the workplace. 3 Studies examining the reliability of information on the Internet directly have documented lack of currency and accuracy, even on well-reputed websites.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Internet Use and Perceptions of Information Reliability by Parents in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

et al. 2003

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OBJECTIVES:To assess Internet use and perceptions of information reliability by parents in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). STUDY DESIGN:A standardized questionnaire study. RESULTS:A total of 100 parents were approached and 90% participated. In all, 79% owned a computer, 85.5% had Internet access, and 75.5% regularly spent >1 to 2 hour/day on the computer. There was a significant reduction in the proportion of parents using the Internet after birth of their baby (before birth: nonmedical searches 84% and medical searches 47%; after birth: nonmedical searches 40% and medical searches 29%; p<0.0001 and <0.03, respectively). Internet access was more likely in those with higher level of education (p ¼ 0.006) and fluency in reading English (p ¼ 0.05). In all, 80% considered the NICU doctors as a reliable source of medical information compared with 10% in the case of the Internet. CONCLUSIONS:Although a considerable proportion of parents use the Internet for medical information, many still view the information obtained as unreliable.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Internet Use and Perceptions of Information Reliability by Parents in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

et al. 2003

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“…2,6 Physician concerns include workload and time constraints from large numbers of e-mail correspondence, confidentiality and liability issues, and less frequently, issues of reimbursement for the service. 2,4,7 In spite of this reluctance, more and more physicians now are incorporating e-mail with patients into their practices. 8,9 In 1997, only about 1-2% of physicians offered e-mail communication to their patients.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…There is little argument that e-mail, an asynchronous form of communication, is not appropriate for emergency or time-sensitive situations. 1,4,12 Various authors have expressed the need to establish a contractual relationship between physician and patient, obtaining written consent for e-mail communication and detailing appropriate e-mail content and language. Other suggestions for optimal physicianpatient e-mail use include a triage system within the physician's office for timeliness of response, a mechanism for indicating when the physician is unavailable to respond for a prolonged period of time (ie vacation), and documentation of receipt of and response to e-mail communication.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

E-mail and oncology: a survey of radiation oncology patients and their attitudes to a new generation of health communication

Katzen

Solan

Dicker

2005

Prostate Cancer Prostatic Dis

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) is a powerful tool that can greatly enhance communication and has numerous potential applications within the medical profession. Physician-patient e-mail communication volume is increasing, but little research has addressed patient interests and concerns about this now commonplace technology. The goals of this study were to review the available literature regarding physician-patient e-mail practices, evaluate patient interest, assess patient perspectives about how e-mail communication might facilitate medical treatment and advice, and determine areas of patient concern regarding e-mail communication with their physicians. To this end, a population of cancer patients was sent a written survey designed to assess their access to e-mail and attitudes about physician-patient e-mail communication. We found that patients favored e-mail for increased convenience, efficiency, and timeliness about general health problems, while it was not favored for urgent matters.

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“…[1] The use of electronic communication for routine contacts between physicians and the patients is associated with some risks, but generally, it may be perceived, assuring technical feasibility and security of the specific technical solution, as convenient substitute for repeated visits of the patient in the physician's office performed for checking the patient's status and renewing prescriptions. [25] Internet and e-mail as new modes of communication between patients and physicians allow for greater flexibility and optimum use of health professionals' time. [24] The Internet-based applications have also the potential for improvement of clinical practice services through better timing, adjustment according to patient's needs and integration of evidence-based guidelines in the information systems, e.g.…”

Section: The Role Of Information Technology In the Vision Of Modern Hmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Impact of Information Technology on Quality of Healthcare Services

Duplaga

2004

Computational Science - ICCS 2004

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Abstract. The incorporation of information technology tools in medical practice results not only in opportunities related to improved quality and availability of services but also in transformation of the model of care delivery. Spreading use of the computer applications in healthcare is propelled by the growing expectations of citizens about quality of medical care. Furthermore, modern healthcare system relies on the concepts of patient's empowerment, shared care and continuity of services. The fulfilment of all these requirements may be possible through establishment of the e health environment allowing for safe "electronic" contacts between physicians and their patients. In turn, the use of telemedical applications improves the process of information exchange between professionals representing different referential levels and areas of medicine. The awareness of the fact that medical errors themselves may be meaningful cause of morbidity and mortality, accerelated searches for effective countermeasures. The use of computer-based solutions is perceived currently as one of the effective remedies. The paper explores the opportunities of improvement of healthcare performance and quality with solutions brought by information technology. The Role of Information Technology in the Vision of Modern HealthcareThe perception of healthcare has been evolving from the moment when humans started to perform conscious actions for preserving health and treating ailments. The approaches based on the irrational beliefs or individual experience of practitioners were substituted by evidence-based clinical practice in 20th century. Simultaneously, radical changes in lifestyle and nutrition had profound impact on life duration and quality of life. The expenditures for healthcare remain important part of national products in developed countries. Increased awareness of health-related problems results in high expectations about healthcare performance among the citizens. The increased life duration, the emphasis put on maintaining high quality of healthcare services, the sophisticated medical technology and high incidence of chronic conditions in modern societies add to growing trends in healthcare expenditures. The progress in telecommunication and computers science leads to essential transformations in other domains. The great expectations about opportunities for increased cost-effectiveness and quality of services exist also in healthcare. Information technology opens the window for assuring appropriate healthcare quality obtained within reasonable costs. Particularly, rapid growth of Internet community is

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Electronic Patient-Physician Communication: Problems and Promise

Cited by 188 publications

References 39 publications

Internet Use and Perceptions of Information Reliability by Parents in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Internet Use and Perceptions of Information Reliability by Parents in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

E-mail and oncology: a survey of radiation oncology patients and their attitudes to a new generation of health communication

The Impact of Information Technology on Quality of Healthcare Services

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