“I Found it on the Internet” Preparing for the e-patient in Oman

Abstract

In the Information Age, the communication patterns between doctor and patient are changing. Using Everett Rogers’ theory of Diffusion of Innovations, this paper begins by examining the diffusion of the Internet in the world and in Oman. It then considers the emergence of e-patients. The characteristics of e-patients are described in some detail. The paper ends by describing steps that should be taken when teaching medical students in Oman so that they can be prepared for e-patients.

Keywords

• medical education
• oman
• innovation diffusion
• internet
• world wide web
• physician-patient relationships
• communication