"You've got mail!": the role of e-mail in clinical breast surgical practice

Easy Internet access is changing the practice of medicine in the US. At least 137 million Americans have access to the World Wide Web, and up to one-half would like to communicate with their physicians by e-mail. The membership of the American Society of Breast Surgeons was surveyed to evaluate the current role of e-mail in patient-doctor relationships. Due to the extensive discussions often involved in the evaluation of breast disease, and the elective nature of most surgical procedures, this specialty may be particularly well-suited to using e-mail communication as an extension of discussions during traditional office visits. A questionnaire was e-mailed to all members of the ASBS who had provided an e-mail address. About 1236 questionnaires were sent, and 285 surgeons responded, a 23% response rate. About 130 (46%) responders were female; 209 responders (73%) did not use e-mail to communicate with patients (76% of responding females, 70% of males). The oldest and youngest surgeons were least likely to use e-mail to communicate with patients. There was no gender-related difference in e-mail use. There was no difference in e-mail use between surgeons who limit their practice to breast disease and those who do not. Urban and university-based surgeons were more likely to use e-mail. Medical-legal liability concerns and confidentiality issues were the most common reasons for not using e-mail. Among those surgeons who did use e-mail, ability to answer at one's own discretion, and the ability to provide an organized response were the major reasons for using e-mail. Overall, the membership expressed a preference for personal interaction over electronic communication.