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)