Abstract
Online medical consultation services (also called “e-consultation” or “e-visit” services) are Internet-based remote patient–doctor (consumer–provider) services from different hospitals and medical institutes; these are a part of telemedicine (telehealth or e-health) usually for the purpose of diagnosis or treatment. Research has identified various reasons for and purposes of the use of the patient-centered services and, in particular, examined patient inquiries in relation to diseases mentioned in the requests, health narratives and included emotions, and the new doctor–patient relationship. Online medical consultation services can strengthen patient empowerment and health literacy through the individual provision of health information and greatly impact the use of health systems, patient–doctor roles and relations, and individuals' health. They are increasing in popularity, especially in the time of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Kessler, Sabrina Heike