Does Electronic Physician-to-Patient Communication Improve the Quality of Care in an Ambulatory Setting?

摘要

Several studies suggest that patients want the ability to communicate electronically with their physicians and that electronic communication can facilitate patient-centered care. However, despite patient demand and a myriad of possible benefits, most physicians have resisted providing this option. This study uses patient provided quality data from a leading online physician-rating site. This novel approach allows us to compare the quality ratings of 1275 general practitioners and family physicians in the U.S. and Canada. Our data suggest that patients rate the quality of care received higher for general practitioners and family physicians who answers patient email. Next, our data suggest that patients in Canada rate the quality of care they receive higher than American patients. Finally, while email makes a difference in perceived quality of care in both countries, our data suggest that it makes a greater difference for American patients.