Email consultations in health care: 2--acceptability and safe application

Abstract

Electronic communication promises to revolutionise the delivery of health care. In the second of two articles considering the potential for email consultations, Car and Sheikh summarise the evidence about public and professional attitudes to them and discuss how to ensure their safe use

Figures

Fig 1

Email is not always the most appropriate medium for a consultation. However, email consultation does improve patients' access to their doctor and facilitates sharing of information

Fig 2

Example of a step in a structured, web based, email consultation for allergic symptoms. (Modified with permission from RelayHealth webVisit)