Patient-physician E-mail communication

A significant number of Oklahomans are using computers and have e-mail access either at home or at work. Consecutive patients seen by 23 family physician members of the Oklahoma Physicians Research/Resource Network (OKPRN) were queried regarding their use of computers and access to e-mail. The numbers are higher in urban and suburban areas than in medium and smaller towns and rural areas. Of those who have e-mail access now or are planning to get it within six months, a substantial majority would like to use this medium to interact with their family physician. Potential uses for e-mail technology and problems to be overcome are discussed.