PSQH IFS: Practices May Miss Opportunities With Direct Messaging Technology

Direct messaging between physicians and patients has become more common in the past few years, thanks in large part to electronic health record (EHR) meaningful use requirements that have mandated exchanges between patients and physicians. One group of patients – military veterans – have embraced the use of the technology to communicate with their physicians.

Focal Points:

• The study found that a majority of veterans used direct messaging; some even used it to discuss sensitive health issues.
• The majority of respondents consider direct messaging “a safe and secure form of communication,” with few users expressing reservations about the security of their data.
• Patients have a higher opinion of direct messaging the more they use it.