Electronic Healthcare Communications

Electronic Communication in Healthcare
Kathy Williams
HCS 533 – Health Information Systems
March 21, 2011
Dr. Rob Rupnow

Electronic Communication in Healthcare
Healthcare in 2011 and beyond relies on electronic communication to improve interaction between patients and caregivers.   Increasing numbers realize the potential of the Internet to integrate information about research, treatment, peer support, and diagnostics.   Healthcare professionals access electronic communication for patient contact, to consult with other colleagues, and to locate information.   Websites are available at the touch of a keyboard for insurance companies, healthcare facilities, and pharmaceutical companies.  
To date, advancing technology for healthcare information is rapid.   The speed of technology in healthcare delivery is not.   The ability for patients to communicate directly with physicians allows the practice of medicine increased efficiency that leads to increased cost effectiveness.   Electronic interaction has the potential to lower the expense of in-person service, permit immediate access to information, promote convenience, and reduce the experience of unclear education in stressful situations.
External Delivery Sources
The California HealthCare Foundation conducted a survey in 2006 that stated 77% of patients want to interact with their doctors online.   It also stated that   85% of physicians polled want to use the Internet to streamline their practices, and 99% of all providers view the use of the Internet as a way to gain competitive advantage (Electronic Healthcare Communication, 2008).    
Internet e-mail is the most common was to interact electronically.   Medical facilities currently use e-mail to schedule appointments, refill prescriptions, conduct patient satisfaction surveys, educate clients, and transfer information concerning diagnostic testing.  
Other forms of electronic communication not as commonly used as email include Personal Data Applications...