Erin Harvey, Rosanne L. Hartman and Melissa B. Wanzer
Of adults with access to the internet, 90% would prefer communicating with their physician by email. Unclear is under what circumstances would patients prefer email over other modes of communicating with their physician. Patient centered communication increases information seeking behaviors on the part of the patient. Therefore, this study examines the relationship between patient centered and physician centered communication specific to patients’ preference for modes of contacting their physician, such as telephone versus e-mail. A survey was conducted using a non-random network sample. Results of the study did not indicate a significant difference between patient-centeredness and the desire to e-mail one’s physician. However, of the 14 scenarios considered non-urgent, e-mail was chosen as the preferred mode of communication by the majority of respondents, 85%. Further descriptive data provides insight into the potential value of e-mail communication in a health care setting. Implications of the research are discussed.
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