medical press: study - Researchers analyze doctor-patient email interactions

“.......There were some very interesting findings in how practitioners use email versus how patients use it,” Geana said....."

"Treatments and lab tests were the most common topics of discussion for both patients and providers."


"Patient to physician email communication is slowly growing as a means of communication within health care. But it is still underutilized and not well-integrated into electronic health records systems,” Greiner said. “Many physicians are still resisting email interactions with patients out of fear of being overwhelmed by a large number of patients. This concern will only be ameliorated when the health care system moves from bricks and mortar, hospital-centered care, to more patient-centered approaches. Understanding the content of doctor-patient emails now, should help us build systems that take advantage of all new communication technologies."