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Surgeons' and nurses' use of e-mail communication with head and neck cancer patients
Sarah H Kagan1, Sean P Clarke, Mary Beth Happ
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology: Head and Neck Surgery, School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, 420 Guardian Drive, Room 365, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6096, USA. skagan@nursing.upenn.edu
Background:
"Telephone tag" for questions about postoperative symptoms and other concerns often engenders dissatisfaction. E-mail use may improve communication between patients and clinicians. This study aimed to describe surgeons' and nurses' use of E-mail with patients and their caregivers after head and neck cancer surgery.
Methods:
We conducted a cross-sectional national survey of head and neck nurses and surgeons.
Results:
Ninety-six percent of surgeon and 87% of nurse respondents used E-mail, but only 40% and 25%, respectively, used it with patients. More than 50% of both clinician groups that used E-mail with patients have done so for 2 to 5 years and began this practice at the request of patients. Surgeons not using E-mail with patients were twice as likely as nurses to cite privacy and liability issues, as well as time management and miscommunication concerns.
Conclusions:
Some clinicians use E-mail with patients, most often by patient request. Medicolegal and clinical ramifications require further study.
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