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Professional NewsFull Access

E-Mail Advice

Published Online:6 Jan 2006https://doi.org/10.1176/pn.41.1.0013a

When using e-mail or the Internet to communicate with patients, risk-management experts advise psychiatrists to do the following:

Make sure that information posted on their practice's Web site is up-to-date and accurate.

Monitor online scheduling programs carefully to ensure that confidentiality is preserved.

Establish security and encryption precautions prior to using e-mail with patients.

Obtain and document patients' informed consent to communicate with them by e-mail.

Discuss with patients those topics that you are willing to discuss via e-mail, as well as the benefits, risks, and limitations involved with e-mail communication.

Check e-mail frequently.

Print e-mail exchanges with patients and keep them with patients' medical records.