A current review of doctor–patient computer-mediated communication

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.

KEYWORDS:

• Communication (D003142)
• electronic mail (D034742)
• Interpersonal relations (D007398)
• physician–patient relations (D010817)

ORCID

Seungcheol Austin Lee http://orcid.org/0000-0002-3985-2505

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Seungcheol Austin Lee

S. Austin Lee (Ph.D., Michigan State University) is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Communication at Northern Kentucky University. His research in health communication focuses on provider–patient relationships. He has conducted fMRI studies to investigate neurobiological changes accompanying patient-centered interviewing.

Robert J. Zuercher

Robert (Bob) Zuercher (Ph.D., University of Kentucky) is an Institutional Research Analyst Senior in the Office of Institutional Research and Assessment at the University of Alabama. His research interests include health/political campaign communication and new media.