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Surgeons' and nurses' use of e‐mail communication with head and neck cancer patients
Author(s) -
Kagan Sarah H.,
Clarke Sean P.,
Happ Mary Beth
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
head and neck
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.012
H-Index - 127
eISSN - 1097-0347
pISSN - 1043-3074
DOI - 10.1002/hed.20119
Subject(s) - medicine , head and neck cancer , head and neck , head (geology) , family medicine , general surgery , cancer , surgery , geomorphology , geology
Abstract Background. “Telephone tag” for questions about postoperative symptoms and other concerns often engenders dissatisfaction. E‐mail use may improve communication between patients and clinicians. This study aimed to describe surgeons' and nurses' use of E‐mail with patients and their caregivers after head and neck cancer surgery. Methods. We conducted a cross‐sectional national survey of head and neck nurses and surgeons. Results. Ninety‐six percent of surgeon and 87% of nurse respondents used E‐mail, but only 40% and 25%, respectively, used it with patients. More than 50% of both clinician groups that used E‐mail with patients have done so for 2 to 5 years and began this practice at the request of patients. Surgeons not using E‐mail with patients were twice as likely as nurses to cite privacy and liability issues, as well as time management and miscommunication concerns. Conclusions. Some clinicians use E‐mail with patients, most often by patient request. Medicolegal and clinical ramifications require further study. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 27: 108–113, 2004