Your Patients Are on the Net

A recent study conducted by Harris Interactive found that the majority of Internet users believe the Internet will help them in reducing or eliminating frustrations associated with visits to their doctors. The study also found that a whopping 81 percent of those surveyed would like to receive e-mail reminders for preventive care, and 83 percent would like follow-up e-mails after making visits to their doctor.

According to the study, many healthcare consumers often are frustrated for forgetting to ask questions when they are with their doctor. They are also frustrated for having to go see a doctor if the question could be answered by e-mail.

Interestingly, the study found that physicians tend to resist using the Internet when communicating with patients for several reasons. If the numbers in the survey are accurate, your folks would like to communicate with you more frequently online. Rather than shy away from the technology, doctors should be paying closer attention to what their patients are saying. Get online and get familiar with the basic task of communicating with your patients as well as with your colleagues. Learn to use the proper techniques and protocols, so that you are not forwarding your professional mail to your patients and patient intended mail to your colleagues. Take the time to find out what kind of communications the people in your practice would appreciate and benefit from most. After all, we are here to serve.

A complete article written regarding the Harris interactive survey can be found on cyberatlas.com. Links to both web sites are below.

Patients Look to Net to Help with Medical Care
www.harrisinteractive.com