Using Email in Family Practice: Benefits and Challenges
Author Information
Author(s): Virji Ayaz, Yarnall Kimberly SH, Krause Katrina M, Pollak Kathryn I, Scannell Margaret A, Gradison Margaret, Østbye Truls
Primary Institution: Duke University Medical Center
Hypothesis
Can email improve communication between patients and physicians in a family practice setting?
Conclusion
Patients are interested in email communication with their family practice clinic, but there are significant challenges related to access and consent.
Supporting Evidence
- 68% of patients surveyed actively used email.
- 80% of email users were interested in communicating with their clinic via email.
- 42% of patients with email were willing to pay for email access to their physicians.
Takeaway
Most patients want to use email to talk to their doctors, but some don't have email access, which can be a problem.
Methodology
Two studies were conducted: a patient survey to assess email usage and a feasibility study for providing health education via email.
Potential Biases
Participants who lacked email access were more likely to be from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, raising concerns about equity.
Limitations
The study had a small number of participants and was conducted at a single clinic, which limits generalizability.
Participant Demographics
The study included a convenience sample of patients from a family practice, with a focus on women aged 18-25 and 50-65.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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