1. A current review of doctor–patient computer-mediated communication.
- Author
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Lee, Seungcheol Austin and Zuercher, Robert J.
- Subjects
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COMPUTER literacy , *DATABASES , *MEDICAL information storage & retrieval systems , *PSYCHOLOGY information storage & retrieval systems , *INTERNET , *LEGAL liability , *MEDICAL ethics , *MEDICAL practice , *MEDLINE , *ONLINE information services , *PHYSICIAN-patient relations , *PRIVACY , *TIME , *TRUST , *EMAIL , *EMPLOYEES' workload , *SYSTEMATIC reviews , *TEXT messages , *HEALTH insurance reimbursement , *DATA security , *SOCIAL media , *MOBILE apps - Abstract
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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2017
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