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."

Vote: Should Physicians Use Email to Communicate With Patients? - Health Blog - WSJ + comments

update for blog readers - newsreel

Newsreel section:

3 sections are now available for the newsreel section (latest news items)

scroll down to the newsreel section (see right hand side of blog) & then click on: ovarian cancer or BRCA or Lynch Syndrome

‘You’ve Got Mail’ — But Not From Your Doctor! Only 7% Are Emailing Patients - Health Blog - WSJ

Email Guidelines for Patients (Patient Handout)

About these guidelines

Adopting appropriate email practices with patients is an important step to safeguarding the integrity of the doctor-patient relationship and maintaining the confidentiality of sensitive patient information.
The email guidelines that you are about to generate will outline when, why and how your patients may use email to contact you.
These guidelines can be:

• printed and used as a patient handout
• used as a patient consent form
• used as a statement of best practices for you and your staff
• saved on your computer
• downloaded from your practice website

(Canadian Medical Protective Association).