E-health: transforming the physician/patient relationship

Healthcare delivery is being transformed by advances in e-health and by the empowered, computer-literate public. Ready to become partners in their own health and to take advantage of online processes, health portals, and phys ician web pages and e-mail, this new breed of consumer is slowly redefining the physician/patient relationship. Such changes can effect positive resul ts like improved clinical decision-making, increased efficiency, and streng thened communication between physicians and patients. First, however, physi cians and the organizations that support them must fully understand their r ole in the e-health revolution. Both must advance their awareness of the ne w consumers and their needs and define specific action items that will help them realize the benefits of e-health. Through a combination of timely res earch and advice, this article will aid them in fulfilling both tasks. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.