Table 4 Comparison of attitudes relating to medical consultation by cell phone or e-mail

All participants

How do you feel about getting your physician’s cell phone number or e-mail address?

Very interested

Would not object

Not interested

Getting my physician’s cell phone number or e-mail address could improve the relationship between us:

Agree

Do not agree

Getting my physician’s cell phone number or e-mail address could improve my sense of security even if I don’t use it:

Agree

Do not agree

Cell phones/e-mail are an effective means of communication that could solve my problems:

Agree

Do not agree

Cell phones/e-mail can cut down on the number of clinic visits:

Agree

Do not agree

Cell phones/e-mail can reduce the number of emergency room visits:

Cell phone provided by my employer

Extra pay for the service

At what times would you call or e-mail your doctor?

Only at appointed hours

Only during daytime hours (excepting Saturdays and holidays)

At all hours including nights, Saturdays and holidays

Under which circumstance would you call or e-mail your doctor?

Only in emergencies

Whenever I think I need a medical consultation

Getting your physician’s cell phone number or e-mail address could interfere with his/her privacy when they’re not working:

Agree

Do not agree

The physician should not be called or sent an e-mail because there are telephone centers that are active after clinic hours:

Agree

Do not agree

The physician should not be called or sent an e-mail because in emergencies one can call for an ambulance or go to the emergency room:

Agree

Do not agree

The physician should not be called or sent an email because medical errors can occur if a physical examination is not performed:

Agree

Do not agree

The physician should not be called or sent an e-mail because there is a risk of miscommunication:

Agree

Do not agree

The physician should not be called or sent an e-mail because it can interfere with his clinic work:

Agree

Do not agree

There is no reason against getting the physician’s personal cell phone number or e-mail address:

Agree

Do not agree

If the HMO provided the physician with a cell phone and covered the cost or a laptop computer and paid for Internet services, that would motivate him/her to provide the email address:

Agree

Do not agree

If the HMO gave the physician extra pay for cell phone or e-mail consultations, it would motivate him/her to provide the cell phone number:

Agree

Do not agree

If the HMO gave the physician dedicated time for cell phone or e-mail consultations, it would motivate him/her to provide the e-mail address:

Agree

Do not agree

Have you asked for your physician’s cell phone number or e-mail address in the past?

Yes

No

Do you have your physician’s cellphone number or e-mail address?

Yes

No