GUIDELINES FOR THE CLINICAL USE OF ELECTRONIC MAIL WITH PATIENTS

Guidelines regarding patient-provider electronic mail are presented. T he intent is to provide guidance concerning computer-based communicati ons between clinicians and patients within a contractual relationship in which the health-care provider has taken on an explicit measure of responsibility for the client's care. The guidelines address two inter related aspects: effective interaction between the clinician and patie nt, and observance of medicolegal prudence. Recommendations for site-s pecific policy formulation are included.