A current review of doctor–patient computer-mediated communication

Background: Scholarship related to doctor–patient computer-mediated communication (CMC) has been relatively sparse, which is unsurprising given the evidence that seldom makes use of this mode of communication. Although scholars have made use of a number of methods to study CMC within this relational context, few have examined the ways in which CMC serves to fulfill relational functions; task-oriented communication seems to comprise the majority of such mediated discourse. However, CMC exchanges between doctors and patients often include relationship-oriented communication, though it is not frequently studied.Method: A literature search was conducted using PubMed, PsycINFO, and Communication & Mass Media Complete to identify relevant articles. The search was supplemented by backward and forward reference checking as well as existing reviews.Results: The findings revealed a number of barriers that prevent the widespread use of CMC in doctor–patient communication, such as legal concerns, concerns over provider workload and reimbursement, and privacy/trust issues. Similarly, consistent with media richness theory, doctor–patient CMC appears to be perceived as effective for straightforward and relatively simple tasks.Conclusions: The current review examined the transformative potential of CMC that is enabled by task-oriented communication, and more importantly, relationship-oriented communication. Further research is warranted to examine the potential to foster deliberative doctor–patient communication through CMC.