Although the adoption of health IT can improve physician-patient relationships, physicians should not rely on technology to foster those relationships or deliver high quality care, according to an MSNBC news report.
Alan Christensen, PhD, a professor at the University of Iowa who studies interactions between patients and healthcare providers, says the biggest change in physician-patient relationship is increased and more effective communication, including use of electronic health records and electronic messaging.
However, physicians shouldn't depend solely on electronic means to communicate with their patients, no matter how convenient or effective. Previous studies suggest patients of physicians who demonstrate overall effective communication — through attentiveness and delivery of personalized care — are frequently healthier and more satisfied with their care, according to the report.
Read the news report about physician-patient relationships.
Read other coverage about health IT:
- Health IT Will Play Role in National Vaccine Plan
- CHIME to Government: Carefully Assess Stage 1 Before Implementing Stage 2 Meaningful Use
- ONC to Test Information-Sharing Tools This Fall
Alan Christensen, PhD, a professor at the University of Iowa who studies interactions between patients and healthcare providers, says the biggest change in physician-patient relationship is increased and more effective communication, including use of electronic health records and electronic messaging.
However, physicians shouldn't depend solely on electronic means to communicate with their patients, no matter how convenient or effective. Previous studies suggest patients of physicians who demonstrate overall effective communication — through attentiveness and delivery of personalized care — are frequently healthier and more satisfied with their care, according to the report.
Read the news report about physician-patient relationships.
Read other coverage about health IT:
- Health IT Will Play Role in National Vaccine Plan
- CHIME to Government: Carefully Assess Stage 1 Before Implementing Stage 2 Meaningful Use
- ONC to Test Information-Sharing Tools This Fall