Overview - Use of e-Mail in Medical Practice
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The document discusses the risks and benefits of using e-mail in medical practices, emphasizing the need for secure communication regarding confidential patient information. It highlights the importance of thoughtful planning, appropriate use, and the development of office policies to mitigate potential pitfalls such as miscommunication and security concerns. While e-mail can enhance patient communication and care, its effectiveness relies on both provider willingness and patient consent.
Overview - Use of e-Mail in Medical Practice
- 1. Using e-mail in a Medical Practice An Overview of Risks and Benefits January 28, 2007 Dr. Alan Brookstone
- 2. Objectives of presentation Develop an understanding of the risks and potential benefits of the use of e-mail in a medical practice NOT promote use of insecure e-mail for confidential patient information
- 3. e-Mail How many use e-mail? For communication with colleagues? For communication with patients? Differences between the US and Canada Doctor Payer Patient Patient Doctor Managed Care
- 4. Theoretical Situation Becoming overloaded with messages, you begin to look for alternative methods to communicate with patients to reduce after-hours work Is e-mail an effective tool? What are the issues?
- 5. Motivators Critical vs. Non-critical medical conditions Difficult to reach providers Increasingly mobile patients Everyone is busy Easy access to computers or wireless devices Changing expectations
- 6. Areas of Concern Sensitive medical conditions – e.g STD results/cancer Medical emergencies Time sensitive issues
- 7. Legal Issues Was the e-mail received? Was it read? Was it sent to the right person? Did anyone else have access? Was there a response? Have you placed a copy in patient record? Remember, you’re leaving a time stamp!
- 8. Imagine if . . . You send a confidential e-mail to the wrong patient Patient receives e-mail from you which you did not send E-mail you sent is intercepted and distributed
- 9. Can You Justify using E-mail? Will E-mail Reduce telephone time and reduce costs? Improve patient care? Improve communication and access? Fit into your pattern of practice? Security is a concern Is there a demand in your practice?
- 10. What is Appropriate? Booking non-urgent appointments? Change of address information? Prescription renewals? Special circumstances Terminal illness – dosage management?? Patients traveling away from home?
- 11. Consent Agreement from patient that it can be used Format and length of e-mails Response times Define appropriate use Must be included in patient record
- 12. Guideline to Use Develop an e-mail policy Office signs Letter to patients Brochure Printed on back of appointment cards Signature for your E-mail communications Consent issue Offer as an option to telephone in specific situations
- 13. Develop an e-mail Policy
- 16. Conclusions Appropriate use is essential Will depend on willingness of provider to send and patient to receive Can be used complimentary to other methods Guidelines and patient education necessary
- 18. Handheld / Wireless E-mail Devices currently exist that can meet your needs How do they fit into workflow Can you get the data back in the patient record? Is wireless e-mail practical Short Messaging Service (SMS)?
- 19. Palm Treo 650
- 21. Professional Communications E-mail between colleagues – referral letters, consultation requests, digital images? The use of Short Messaging Service Receiving updates, alerts and news bulletins on your phone
- 22. Bottom Line E-mail can be very useful in a medical practice However Requires thoughtful planning Solid office policies Support materials – Web based and Print Secure e-mail for communication of sensitive patient information