Using the internet to enhance physician-patient communication

Area of Science:

• Orthopaedic Surgery
• Health Informatics
• Patient Education

Background:

• Growing patient use of the internet for musculoskeletal conditions.
• Demand for web-based resources and electronic communication from patients.
• Potential for online information to supplement traditional physician-patient interactions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the impact of internet use on orthopaedic surgeons.
• To explore the benefits and challenges of web-based resources and electronic communication.
• To guide orthopaedic surgeons in integrating online tools into practice.

Main Methods:

• Literature review on internet use in orthopaedics.
• Analysis of patient-physician electronic communication trends.
• Discussion of advantages, disadvantages, and best practices for online resources.

Main Results:

• Patients actively research musculoskeletal conditions online.
• Online resources offer readily available, broad information for basic patient knowledge.
• Electronic communication, like email, can enhance patient-physician interaction and address concerns.

Conclusions:

• Orthopaedic surgeons must adapt to increased internet use by patients.
• Web-based resources and electronic communication offer significant benefits for patient education.
• Practices must address legal, confidentiality, and management challenges of digital tools.