Electronic Communication In Healthcare

Electronic communication currently dominates modern forms of conversation. It is so common that it has become second nature. The internet, text messaging, and social media are just a few examples. Perhaps, one of the most well-known and universal forms of electronic communication is email. Marketing industries, healthcare organizations and classrooms are some of the most globally recognized businesses. In 1971, the first email message was programmed and sent by Ray Tomlinson (Car, 2004). Josip Car (2004) notes that “The popularity of email stems largely from its user friendliness, efficiency, and versatility in facilitating asynchronous communication”. One goal that most organizations have in common is the desire for growing business while …show more content…
“Technology is changing the world at warp speed and nowhere is this more evident than in healthcare settings” (Huston, 2013). Information technology plays an influential role between physicians and patients. Irene Solera Ruiz, Guadalupe Poblacion Garcia and Irene Riguelme (2014) examined a study conducted at a pain management facility in Spain. Patients undergoing treatment for chronic pain from September 2011 to May 2012 were evaluated by the same physician. At the end of the eight month period, each patient was given a patient satisfaction survey including the email address of the facility. “The study investigated the feasibility of using email messages to promote effective patient-provider communication in the clinical pain practice, including immediate requests” (Ruiz, Poblacion Garcia & Riguelme, 2014). Over 780 emails were sent and physicians received an average of five emails daily. The study also concluded that “90% of patients with internet access would like to contact through email with their physician, regarding administrative issues, medication concerns and other aspects of care” (Ruiz, Poblacion Garcia & Riguelme, 2014). Email surveys are beneficial because “there are now programs that automatically analyze responses” (Jones & Pitt, 1999, p.557). Health care professionals as well as patients prefer email communication rather than telephone communication for non-urgent matters. Electronic communication is a “cheap, easy and feasible way to address a wide range of concerns, thus enhancing patients’ satisfaction” (Ruiz, Poblacion Garcia & Riguelme, 2014). Email exchange enhances communication, reduces face to face consultations and improves quality of