Comparison 3. Email compared to standard methods of communication: Primary outcome, patient/caregiver views.

Outcome or subgroup title	No. of studies	No. of participants	Statistical method	Effect size
1 How did communication with the surgeon affect your sense of preparedness for the operation (Scale 1‐7)			Other data	No numeric data
2 Questions and concerns addressed in a satisfactory manner? (Scale 1‐7)			Other data	No numeric data
3 How did communication with the surgeon affect your sense that the surgeon was available to deal with any problems that might arise? (Scale 1‐7)			Other data	No numeric data
4 Requests and questions dealt with in a timely manner (satisfaction rating at 6 months) (Scale 1‐5)			Other data	No numeric data
5 Problems dealt with adequately (satisfaction rating at 6 months) (Scale 1‐5)			Other data	No numeric data