Many doctors are worried that email will ruin doctor-patient communicationbecause they feel that face to face interaction is vital to preserving the doctor patient relationship.
Actuallyfor established patientsemail is a far better way of communicating with the doctoras compared to a phone call.
I find that patients are quite reluctant to phone a doctor with their "minor doubts" because they do not want to disturb the doctor. This means that a lot of worries remain unresolved. With emailon the other handthey are much more willing to ask for clarificationsbecause email is much less intrusiveand they know I can answer at my convenience ! Email allows me to provide reassurance and comfort much more easily to my patients.
My replies can be thoughtful and reasoned - and because I am not rushed ( as I might be in the clinic when I have lots of patients waiting to be seen)it is actually easier for me to be more empathetic by email !
Actuallyfor established patientsemail is a far better way of communicating with the doctoras compared to a phone call.
I find that patients are quite reluctant to phone a doctor with their "minor doubts" because they do not want to disturb the doctor. This means that a lot of worries remain unresolved. With emailon the other handthey are much more willing to ask for clarificationsbecause email is much less intrusiveand they know I can answer at my convenience ! Email allows me to provide reassurance and comfort much more easily to my patients.
My replies can be thoughtful and reasoned - and because I am not rushed ( as I might be in the clinic when I have lots of patients waiting to be seen)it is actually easier for me to be more empathetic by email !