Electronic Gap Between Parents and Their Pediatricians

Technology and Electronic Medical Records (EMR's) are becoming more and more incorporated into the physician's office.  However, electronic communication via email and Internet between the physician and patient is taking a little longer to catch on.  Electronic communication can be categorized into administrative tasks (scheduling appointments, obtaining immunization records, typical pre-visit forms, etc.) and clinical services (prescription refills, advice, lab results, etc.).

The C.S. Mott Children's Hospital National Poll on Children's Health recently surveyed 1,612 parents regarding electronic communication with their child's pediatrician.  This poll reported that more than half of the parents would like access to electronic communication with pediatricians while only 1 in 6 parents report having that access.  Less than 15% of the parents claim to using electronic communication for clinical services and less than 10% use electronic communication for administrative tasks.

Matthew Davis, MD, director of the poll, states that the increase in electronic communication between pediatricians and parents would be beneficial for both parties. Access to electronic administrative tasks would save time and minimize frustration for both office staff and parents.  Parents would not have to hold for long periods of time to obtain advice regarding the need for a office visit for minor illnesses or injuries. 

There are concerns on behalf of the physicians before this level of communication is adopted.  One major concern is the liability of offering medical advice without an exam.  Clearly, this concern alone could have legal consequences if medical advice is offered to a misdiagnosed aliment due to lack of examination.  Another concern is that physicians are not paid for their online services.  A small step in the direction of improving electronic communication could begin with administrative tasks and hold off on the advice portion until liability issues are addressed.       

For more information on the poll, visit Amednews.