Table 2 Attitudes to medical consultation through cell phones
Question | N (%) |
|---|---|
How do you feel about getting your physician’s cell phone number? | |
Very interested | 93 (46.5) |
Would not object | 83 (41.5) |
Not interested | 24 (12.0) |
Getting my physician’s cell phone number could improve the relationship between us: | |
Agree | 176 (88.0) |
Do not agree | 24 (12.0) |
Getting my physician’s cellphone number could improve my sense of security even if I don’t use it: | |
Agree | 169 (84.5) |
Do not agree | 31 (14.5) |
The cell phone is an effective means of communication that could solve my problems: | |
Agree | 102 (51.0) |
Do not agree | 98 (49.0) |
The cell phone can cut down on the number of clinic visits: | |
Agree | 138 (69.0) |
Do not agree | 62 (31.0) |
The cell phone can reduce the number of emergency room visits: | |
Agree | 82 (41.0) |
Do not agree | 118 (59.0) |
At what times would you call the physician? | |
Only at appointed hours | 62 (35.2) |
Only during daytime hours (excepting Saturdays and holidays) | 69 (39.2) |
At all hours including nights, Saturdays and holidays | 45 (25.6) |
Under which circumstance would you call your physician? | |
Only in emergencies | 105 (59.7) |
Whenever I think I need a medical consultation | 71 (40.3) |
Getting your physician’s cell phone number could interfere with his/her privacy when they’re not working: | |
Agree | 145 (72.5) |
Do not agree | 55 (27.5) |
The physician should not be called because there are telephone centers that are active after clinic hours: | |
Agree | 161 (80.5) |
Do not agree | 39 (19.5) |
The physician should not be called because in emergencies one can call for an ambulance or go to the emergency room: | |
Agree | 168 (84.0) |
Do not agree | 32 (16.0) |
The physician should not be called because medical errors can occur if a physical examination is not performed: | |
Agree | 168 (84.0) |
Do not agree | 32 (16.0) |
The physician should not be called because there is a risk of miscommunication: | |
Agree | 173 (86.5) |
Do not agree | 27 (13.5) |
The physician should not be called because it can interfere with his clinic work: | |
Agree | 148 (74.0) |
Do not agree | 52 (26.0) |
There is no reason against getting the physician’s personal cell phone number: | |
Agree | 19 (9.5) |
Do not agree | 181 (90.5) |
If the HMO provided the physician with a cell phone and paid for it, that would motivate him/her to provide the cell phone number: | |
Agree | 128 (64.0) |
Do not agree | 72 (36.0) |
If the HMO gave the physician extra pay for cell phone consultations, it would motivate him/her to provide the cell phone number: | |
Agree | 151 (75.5) |
Do not agree | 49 (24.5) |
If the HMO gave the physician dedicated time for cell phone consultations, it would motivate him/her to provide the cell phone number: | |
Agree | 151 (75.5) |
Do not agree | 49 (24.5) |
Have you asked for your physician’s cell phone number in the past? | |
Yes | 28 (14.0) |
No | 172 (86.0) |
Do you have your physician’s cell phone number? | |
Yes | 25 (12.5) |
No | 175 (87.5) |