According to the latest physician study and advisory service released by Manhattan Research, approximately one-third of physicians are currently communicating with their patients online - a number which has grown over the past few years, but still lags behind consumer interest in communicating with physicians through the Internet. "While physician-patient online messaging can never replace a face-to-face consultation, it could be an ideal communication method for many non-urgent medical matters," says Erika Fishman, director of research at Manhattan Research. "Secure connectivity solutions can protect patient privacy, reduce unnecessary trips to the doctor's office and decrease healthcare costs. For the many consumers who already 'self-diagnose' using online tools, receiving professional consultation and referrals over the Internet seem like the next logical step in upgrading their online health management."
However, the majority of physicians continue to shy away from online consultations with patients because of issues such as fear of liability, doubts about benefits to practice efficiency, and lack of reimbursement. Yet despite these fears, the majority of physicians communicating with patients online are using email (which is not encrypted/secure) instead of a secure messaging service such as RelayHealth or Medem.
About Taking the Pulse® v8.0
Taking the Pulse® v8.0 was conducted via telephone and online survey methodology in Q1 2008 with a nationally representative sample of 1,832 practicing U.S. physicians.
In addition to providing physician market trends, clients can further segment Taking the Pulse® v8.0 to derive statistically relevant insight across the following specialties: Allergists, Cardiologists, Dermatologists, Electro Physiologists, Emergency Medicine, Endocrinologists, Gastroenterologists, Surgeons, Hematology Oncologists, Infectious Disease Specialists, Medical Oncologists, Nephrologists, Neurologists, Obstetrics/Gynecologists (OB/GYNs), Ophthalmologists, Orthopedic Surgeons, Pediatricians, Primary Care Physicians (General Practice, Family Practice and Internal Medicine), Psychiatrists, Pulmonologists, Radiologists, Rheumatologists and Urologists.
Other Manhattan Research Products and Services
Manhattan Research conducts annual research studies among physicians and consumers, including Taking the Pulse® Europe, Cybercitizen® Health, Cybercitizen® Health Europe, ePharma Consumer® and ePharma Physician®. Each study serves a unique purpose and focuses on different aspects of information technology adoption. Broad consumer and physician research is complemented by targeted analysis among more than 80 consumer therapeutic segments and 25 physician specialist segments.
Manhattan Research is a leading market research and advisory firm for pharmaceutical and healthcare companies. For more information, visit www.manhattanresearch.com.