Email for clinical communication between healthcare professionals

Area of Science:

• Health Informatics
• Clinical Communication
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Email is a common communication tool, yet its application in healthcare, particularly for clinical communication among professionals, is not well-established.
• Previous reviews have explored the use of email for two-way clinical communication between healthcare professionals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of email for clinical communication among healthcare professionals.
• To assess effects on healthcare professional outcomes, patient outcomes, health service performance, efficiency, and acceptability compared to other communication methods.

Main Methods:

• Searched multiple databases (Cochrane, MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, ERIC) and grey literature up to August 2013.
• Included randomized controlled trials, quasi-randomized trials, controlled before and after studies, and interrupted time series studies.
• Two authors independently assessed study inclusion, risk of bias, and extracted data.

Main Results:

• One randomized controlled trial (327 patients, 159 providers) was included, comparing email reminders for osteoporosis treatment to usual care.
• Email reminders significantly increased guideline-recommended treatment actions by professionals.
• Evidence on email's impact on patient behavior was inconclusive, with mixed results on calcium intake.

Conclusions:

• A single study provides insufficient evidence to guide clinical practice regarding email for professional communication.
• Future research should employ high-quality designs and consider the complexities of email as an intervention in healthcare.