title: Professional e-mail communication among health care providers: proposing evidence-based guidelines.
abstract: E-mail is now a primary method of correspondence in health care, and proficiency with professional e-mail use is a vital skill for physicians. Fundamentals of e-mail courtesy can be derived from lay literature, but there is a dearth of scientific literature that addresses the use of e-mail between physicians. E-mail communication between providers is generally more familiar and casual than other professional interactions, which can promote unprofessional behavior or misunderstanding. Not only e-mail content but also wording, format, and tone may influence clinical recommendations and perceptions of the e-mail sender. In addition, there are serious legal and ethical implications when unprofessional or unsecured e-mails related to patient-identifying information are exchanged or included within an electronic medical record. The authors believe that the appropriate use of e-mail is a vital skill for physicians, with serious legal and ethical ramifications and the potential to affect professional development and patient care. In this article, the authors analyze a comprehensive literature search, explore several facets of e-mail use between physicians, and offer specific recommendations for professional e-mail use.
authors.affiliation: Dr. Malka is assistant professor, Department of Emergency Medicine, Department of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, North Carolina. Dr. Kessler is consulting associate, Department of Emergency Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, and deputy chief of staff, Department of Emergency Medicine, Durham VA Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina. Dr. Abraham is a resident physician, Department of Emergency Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina. Dr. Emmet is medical librarian, Ruth Lilly Medical Library, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana. Dr. Wilbur is vice chair and professor, Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas.
authors.forename: S Terez
authors.initials: ST
authors.lastname: Malka
authors.forename: Chad S
authors.initials: CS
authors.lastname: Kessler
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Abraham
authors.forename: Thomas W
authors.initials: TW
authors.lastname: Emmet
authors.forename: Lee
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Wilbur
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003219:Confidentiality; D057286:Electronic Health Records; D034742:Electronic Mail / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000592:standards*; D017408:Guidelines as Topic; D020408:Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act; D006801:Humans; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D014481:United States