E-mail communication in paediatrics: Ethical and clinical considerations

Area of Science:

• Medical Informatics
• Clinical Communication
• Pediatric Practice

Background:

• E-mail is widely adopted in healthcare for its efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
• Potential misuses and abuses of e-mail in clinical practice carry significant implications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline common uses of e-mail in pediatrics.
• To highlight potential clinical and ethical challenges associated with e-mail communication.
• To provide practical recommendations for safe and appropriate e-mail use in a medical context.

Main Methods:

• Review of current e-mail applications in pediatric practice.
• Identification of risks and benefits associated with various e-mail communication methods.
• Development of practice-oriented suggestions for policy and etiquette.

Main Results:

• Identified common pediatric e-mail uses: professional communication, formal/informal consultations, discussion groups, patient communication, and advice to non-patients.
• Highlighted risks including breaches of confidentiality, misinterpretation of consultations, and lack of peer review in discussion groups.
• Stressed the need for clear guidelines on patient communication, limiting it to simple, non-urgent issues.

Conclusions:

• Physicians must be aware of the clinical and ethical implications of e-mail use.
• Implementing e-mail policies, security measures, and professional etiquette is essential.
• Separating personal and professional e-mail accounts is recommended for enhanced security and clarity.