Physicians' perceptions toward electronic communication with patients.
Despite the widespread use of email, electronic communication between physicians and patients is not part of the standard physician-patient relationship in the United States. Increased use of email may improve physician-patient communication, which is associated with improved patient satisfaction and health status. Evaluating email communication in this context is vital to minimizing potential risks and maximizing benefit to physicians and patients. We evaluated email use between physicians and patients, and physicians perceptions of the value and issues surrounding this form of communication in order to identify issues that would facilitate and improve electronic communication.
Pizziferri
Lisa
L
Information Systems, Partners HealthCare System, Wellesley, MA, USA.
Kittler
Anne
A
Volk
Lynn A
LA
Hobbs
John
J
Jagannath
Yamini
Y
Wald
Jagannath S
JS
Middleton
Blackford
B
Bates
David W
DW
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003142:Communication; D003625:Data Collection; D034742:Electronic Mail; D006801:Humans; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D010820:Physicians