Use of email for consulting with patients in general practice

Email is ubiquitous. Estimates in 2009 were that 97% of UK adult internet users across all generations and demographic groups had used email. While professionals and the majority of industry would struggle without email, health care has not embraced this type of interaction and there is no accepted way for patients to email their doctor, with health care utilising more traditional methods of communication like post and telephone. practice is no exception to this; a GP could describe an inbox full of circulars and management mailings, but would not consider email as an integral part of their practice. Email is commonly offered by practices for repeat prescriptions and making appointments, but its use for direct contact with the doctor is not commonplace. However, there are GPs and practices in the UK that do offer email consultation; surveys indicate that up to 25% of GPs in the UK have exchanged emails with patients. Analyses of email consultation show the most reported use is to provide the doctor with an update on their health condition, seek information about medication, or ask about a health concern. For doctors who have tried email use, it tends to be with small numbers of selected patients.