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Lang Y, Chen KY, Zhou Y, Kosmari L, Daniel K, Gurses A, Young R, Arbaje A, Xiao Y. Perception of Medication Safety-Related Behaviors Among Different Age Groups: Web-Based Cross-Sectional Study. Interact J Med Res 2024; 13:e58635. [PMID: 39133905 DOI: 10.2196/58635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 08/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous research and safety advocacy groups have proposed various behaviors for older adults to actively engage in medication safety. However, little is known about how older adults perceive the importance and reasonableness of these behaviors in ambulatory settings. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to assess older adults' perceptions of the importance and reasonableness of 8 medication safety behaviors in ambulatory settings and compare their responses with those of younger adults. METHODS We conducted a survey of 1222 adults in the United States using crowdsourcing to evaluate patient behaviors that may enhance medication safety in community settings. A total of 8 safety behaviors were identified based on the literature, such as bringing medications to office visits, confirming medications at home, managing medication refills, using patient portals, organizing medications, checking medications, getting help, and knowing medications. Respondents were asked about their perception of the importance and reasonableness of these behaviors on a 5-point Likert rating scale in the context of collaboration with primary care providers. We assessed the relative ranking of behaviors in terms of importance and reasonableness and examined the association between these dimensions across age groups using statistical tests. RESULTS Of 1222 adult participants, 125 (10.2%) were aged 65 years or older. Most participants were White, college-educated, and had chronic conditions. Older adults rated all 8 behaviors significantly higher in both importance and reasonableness than did younger adults (P<.001 for combined behaviors). Confirming medications ranked highest in importance (mean score=3.78) for both age groups while knowing medications ranked highest in reasonableness (mean score=3.68). Using patient portals was ranked lowest in importance (mean score=3.53) and reasonableness (mean score=3.49). There was a significant correlation between the perceived importance and reasonableness of the identified behaviors, with coefficients ranging from 0.436 to 0.543 (all P<.001). CONCLUSIONS Older adults perceived the identified safety behaviors as more important and reasonable than younger adults. However, both age groups considered a behavior highly recommended by professionals as the least important and reasonable. Patient engagement strategies, common and specific to age groups, should be considered to improve medication safety in ambulatory settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Lang
- Department of Business, State University of New York at Oneonta, Oneonta, NY, United States
| | - Kay-Yut Chen
- College of Business, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX, United States
| | - Yuan Zhou
- Department of Industrial, Manufacturing, and Systems Engineering, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX, United States
| | - Ludmila Kosmari
- College of Nursing and Health Innovation, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX, United States
| | - Kathryn Daniel
- College of Nursing and Health Innovation, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX, United States
| | - Ayse Gurses
- School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Richard Young
- Family Medicine Residency Program, The John Peter Smith (JPS) Health Network, Fort Worth, TX, United States
| | - Alicia Arbaje
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Yan Xiao
- College of Nursing and Health Innovation, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX, United States
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Rosman L, Lampert R, Zhuo S, Li Q, Varma N, Burg M, Gaffey AE, Armbruster T, Gehi A. Wearable Devices, Health Care Use, and Psychological Well-Being in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation. J Am Heart Assoc 2024; 13:e033750. [PMID: 39011944 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.123.033750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Wearables are increasingly used by patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) for symptom monitoring and health management, but their impact on patient health care use and psychological well-being is not well understood. METHODS AND RESULTS In this retrospective, propensity-matched study of patients with AF, survey and electronic health record data were merged to compare AF-specific health care use (outpatient/inpatient visits, rhythm-related testing, and procedures) and informal health care use (telephone calls and patient portal messages) over a 9-month period between wearable users and nonusers. We also examined the effects of wearable cardiac monitoring features (eg, heart rate alerts, irregular rhythm notification, and ECG) on patient behavior and well-being. Of 172 patients with AF in this analysis (age, 72.6±9.0 years; 42% women), 83 used a wearable. Compared with nonusers, wearable users reported higher rates of symptom monitoring and preoccupation (P=0.03) and more AF treatment concerns (P=0.02). Moreover, 20% of wearable users experienced anxiety and always contacted their doctors in response to irregular rhythm notifications. After matching, AF-specific health care use was significantly greater among wearable users compared with nonusers (P=0.04), including significantly higher rates of ECGs, echocardiograms/transesophageal echocardiogram, and ablation. Wearable users were also significantly more likely to use informal health care resources compared with nonusers (P=0.05). CONCLUSIONS Wearables were associated with higher rates of symptom monitoring and preoccupation, AF treatment concerns, AF-specific health care use, and use of informal health care resources. Prospective, randomized studies are needed to understand the net effects of wearables and their alerts on patients, providers, and the health care system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsey Rosman
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chapel Hill NC USA
| | - Rachel Lampert
- Department of Internal Medicine (Section of Cardiovascular Medicine) Yale University School of Medicine New Haven CT USA
| | - Songcheng Zhuo
- Department of Biostatistics University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chapel Hill NC USA
| | - Quefeng Li
- Department of Biostatistics University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chapel Hill NC USA
| | - Niraj Varma
- Heart and Vascular Institute, Cleveland Clinic Cleveland OH USA
| | - Matthew Burg
- Department of Internal Medicine (Section of Cardiovascular Medicine) Yale University School of Medicine New Haven CT USA
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System West Haven CT USA
| | - Allison E Gaffey
- Department of Internal Medicine (Section of Cardiovascular Medicine) Yale University School of Medicine New Haven CT USA
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System West Haven CT USA
| | - Tiffany Armbruster
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chapel Hill NC USA
| | - Anil Gehi
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chapel Hill NC USA
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Benda NC, Masterson Creber RM, Scheinmann R, Nino de Rivera S, Pimentel EC, Kalish RB, Riley LE, Hermann A, Ancker JS. Sociodemographic Differences in Perspectives on Postpartum Symptom Reporting. Appl Clin Inform 2024; 15:692-699. [PMID: 39168155 DOI: 10.1055/s-0044-1788328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/23/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The overall goal of this work is to create a patient-reported outcome (PRO) and decision support system to help postpartum patients determine when to seek care for concerning symptoms. In this case study, we assessed differences in perspectives for application design needs based on race, ethnicity, and preferred language. METHODS A sample of 446 participants who reported giving birth in the past 12 months was recruited from an existing survey panel. We sampled participants from four self-reported demographic groups: (1) English-speaking panel, Black/African American race, non-Hispanic ethnicity; (2) Spanish-speaking panel, Hispanic-ethnicity; (3) English-speaking panel, Hispanic ethnicity; (4) English-speaking panel, non-Black race, non-Hispanic ethnicity. Participants provided survey-based feedback regarding interest in using the application, comfort reporting symptoms, desired frequency of reporting, reporting tool features, and preferred outreach pathway for concerning symptoms. RESULTS Fewer Black participants, compared with all other groups, stated that they had used an app for reporting symptoms (p = 0.02), were least interested in downloading the described application (p < 0.05), and found a feature for sharing warning sign information with friends and family least important (p < 0.01). Black and non-Hispanic Black participants also preferred reporting symptoms less frequently as compared with Hispanic participants (English and Spanish-speaking; all p < 0.05). Spanish-speaking Hispanic participants tended to prefer calling their professional regarding urgent warning signs, while Black and English-speaking Hispanic groups tended to express interest in using an online chat or patient portal (all p < 0.05) CONCLUSION: Different participant groups described distinct preferences for postpartum symptom reporting based on race, ethnicity, and preferred languages. Tools used to elicit PROs should consider how to be flexible for different preferences or tailored toward different groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie C Benda
- School of Nursing, Columbia University, New York, New York, United States
| | | | - Roberta Scheinmann
- School of Nursing, Columbia University, New York, New York, United States
| | | | - Eric Costa Pimentel
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, United States
| | - Robin B Kalish
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, United States
| | - Laura E Riley
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, United States
| | - Alison Hermann
- Department of Psychiatry, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, United States
| | - Jessica S Ancker
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
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Galvin E, Desselle S, Gavin B, McNicholas F, Cullinan S, Hayden J. Training Service Users in the Use of Telehealth: Scoping Review. J Med Internet Res 2024; 26:e57586. [PMID: 39083789 PMCID: PMC11325118 DOI: 10.2196/57586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2024] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The use of telehealth has rapidly increased, yet some populations may be disproportionally excluded from accessing and using this modality of care. Training service users in telehealth may increase accessibility for certain groups. The extent and nature of these training activities have not been explored. OBJECTIVE The objective of this scoping review is to identify and describe activities for training service users in the use of telehealth. METHODS Five databases (MEDLINE [via PubMed], Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Web of Science) were searched in June 2023. Studies that described activities to train service users in the use of synchronous telehealth consultations were eligible for inclusion. Studies that focused on health care professional education were excluded. Papers were limited to those published in the English language. The review followed the Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines for scoping reviews and was reported in line with the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews) guidelines. Titles and abstracts were screened by 1 reviewer (EG). Full texts were screened by 2 reviewers (EG and JH or SC). Data extraction was guided by the research question. RESULTS The search identified 8087 unique publications. In total, 13 studies met the inclusion criteria. Telehealth training was commonly described as once-off preparatory phone calls to service users before a telehealth visit, facilitated primarily by student volunteers, and accompanied by written instructions. The training content included guidance on how to download and install software, troubleshoot technical issues, and adjust device settings. Older adults were the most common target population for the training. All but 1 of the studies were conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic. Overall, training was feasible and well-received by service users, and studies mostly reported increased rates of video visits following training. There was limited and mixed evidence that training improved participants' competency with telehealth. CONCLUSIONS The review mapped the literature on training activities for service users in telehealth. The common features of telehealth training for service users included once-off preparatory phone calls on the technical elements of telehealth, targeted at older adults. Key issues for consideration include the need for co-designed training and improving the broader digital skills of service users. There is a need for further studies to evaluate the outcomes of telehealth training activities in geographically diverse areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emer Galvin
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Shane Desselle
- Touro University California, California, CA, United States
| | - Blánaid Gavin
- School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Fiona McNicholas
- School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Children's Health Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
- Lucena Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS), Dublin, Ireland
| | - Shane Cullinan
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - John Hayden
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
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O'Brien E, Ludwigson A, Vemuru S, Higgins M, Hampanda K, Adams M, Wolverton D, Sams S, Taft N, Miles R, Lin CT, Cumbler E, Tevis S. Interpretation of immediately released health information: Informing patient medical education in breast oncology. Am J Surg 2024:115853. [PMID: 39095250 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjsurg.2024.115853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2024] [Revised: 06/18/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Cures Act mandated immediately released health information. In this study, we investigated patient comprehension of mammography reports and the utility of online resources to aid report interpretation. METHODS Patients who received a normal mammogram from February to April 2022 were invited to complete semi-structured interviews paired with health literacy questionnaires to assess patient's report comprehension before and after internet search. RESULTS Thirteen selected patients via purposeful sampling completed interviews. Most patients described their initial understanding of the mammography report as "good" and improved to between "good" and "very good" after an internet search. Patients suggested "a little column on the side" for medical terminology, "an extra prompt" for making an appointment, or a recommendation for "good sites" to improve mammography reports. CONCLUSION Patients varied in their ability to independently interpret medical reports and seek additional resources. While online resources marginally improved patient understanding, actionable and clear resources are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth O'Brien
- University of Colorado School of Medicine, Department of Surgery, 12631 East 17th Ave. 6th Floor, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.
| | - Abigail Ludwigson
- University of Colorado School of Medicine, Department of Surgery, 12631 East 17th Ave. 6th Floor, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Sudheer Vemuru
- University of Colorado School of Medicine, Department of Surgery, 12631 East 17th Ave. 6th Floor, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Madeline Higgins
- University of Colorado School of Medicine, Department of Surgery, 12631 East 17th Ave. 6th Floor, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Karen Hampanda
- University of Colorado School of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 12631 East 17th Avenue. 4th Floor, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Monica Adams
- University of Colorado School of Medicine, Department of Surgery, 12631 East 17th Ave. 6th Floor, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Dulcy Wolverton
- University of Colorado School of Medicine, Department of Radiology, 12401 East 17th Ave, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Sharon Sams
- University of Colorado School of Medicine, Department of Pathology, 12631 East 17th Ave. 2nd Floor, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Nancy Taft
- University of Colorado School of Medicine, Department of Surgery, 12631 East 17th Ave. 6th Floor, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Randy Miles
- University of Colorado School of Medicine, Department of Radiology, 12401 East 17th Ave, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Chen-Tan Lin
- University of Colorado School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, 12631 East 17th Ave. 8th Floor, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Ethan Cumbler
- University of Colorado School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, 12631 East 17th Ave. 8th Floor, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Sarah Tevis
- University of Colorado School of Medicine, Department of Surgery, 12631 East 17th Ave. 6th Floor, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
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Rodriguez JA, Zelen M, Szulak J, Moore K, Park L. A system-wide approach to digital equity: the Digital Access Coordinator program in primary care. J Am Med Inform Assoc 2024; 31:1583-1587. [PMID: 38741288 PMCID: PMC11187422 DOI: 10.1093/jamia/ocae104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The transition to digital tools prompted by the pandemic made evident digital disparities. To address digital literacy gaps, we implemented a system-wide digital navigation program. METHODS The Digital Access Coordinator (DAC) program consists of 12 multilingual navigators who support patients in enrolling and using the patient portal and digital tools. We implemented the program in our primary care network which consists of 1.25 million patients across 1211 clinicians. RESULTS From May 2021 to November 2022, the DACs completed outreach to 16 045 patients. Of the 13 413 patients they reached, they successfully enrolled 8193 (61%) patients in the patient portal. Of those patients they enrolled, most patients were of Other race, Hispanic ethnicity, and were English-speaking (44%) and Spanish-speaking patients (44%). Using our embedded model, we increased enrollment across 7 clinics (mean increase: 21.3%, standard deviation: 9.2%). Additionally, we identified key approaches for implementing a digital navigation program. CONCLUSION Organizations can support patient portal enrollment, a key part of digital health equity, by creating and prioritizing digital navigation programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge A Rodriguez
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Primary Care, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02120, United States
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - Michelle Zelen
- Mass General Brigham, Somerville, MA 02145, United States
| | - Jessica Szulak
- Mass General Brigham, Somerville, MA 02145, United States
| | - Katie Moore
- Mass General Brigham, Somerville, MA 02145, United States
| | - Lee Park
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, United States
- Mass General Brigham, Somerville, MA 02145, United States
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Wolff JL, Wec A, Peereboom D, Gleason KT, Amjad H, Burgdorf JG, Cassidy J, DesRoches CM, Fabius CD, Green AR, Lin CT, Nothelle SK, Powell DS, Riffin CA, Smith J, Lum HD. Care partners and consumer health information technology: A framework to guide systems-level initiatives in support of digital health equity. Learn Health Syst 2024; 8:e10408. [PMID: 38883870 PMCID: PMC11176584 DOI: 10.1002/lrh2.10408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Consumer-oriented health information technologies (CHIT) such as the patient portal have a growing role in care delivery redesign initiatives such as the Learning Health System. Care partners commonly navigate CHIT demands alongside persons with complex health and social needs, but their role is not well specified. Methods We assemble evidence and concepts from the literature describing interpersonal communication, relational coordination theory, and systems-thinking to develop an integrative framework describing the care partner's role in applied CHIT innovations. Our framework describes pathways through which systematic engagement of the care partner affects longitudinal work processes and multi-level outcomes relevant to Learning Health Systems. Results Our framework is grounded in relational coordination, an emerging theory for understanding the dynamics of coordinating work that emphasizes role-based relationships and communication, and the Systems Engineering Initiative for Patient Safety (SEIPS) model. Cross-cutting work systems geared toward explicit and purposeful support of the care partner role through CHIT may advance work processes by promoting frequent, timely, accurate, problem-solving communication, reinforced by shared goals, shared knowledge, and mutual respect between patients, care partners, and care team. We further contend that systematic engagement of the care partner in longitudinal work processes exerts beneficial effects on care delivery experiences and efficiencies at both individual and organizational levels. We discuss the utility of our framework through the lens of an illustrative case study involving patient portal-mediated pre-visit agenda setting. Conclusions Our framework can be used to guide applied embedded CHIT interventions that support the care partner role and bring value to Learning Health Systems through advancing digital health equity, improving user experiences, and driving efficiencies through improved coordination within complex work systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer L Wolff
- Department of Health Policy and Management Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Baltimore Maryland USA
| | - Aleksandra Wec
- Department of Health Policy and Management Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Baltimore Maryland USA
| | - Danielle Peereboom
- Department of Health Policy and Management Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Baltimore Maryland USA
| | - Kelly T Gleason
- Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing Baltimore Maryland USA
| | - Halima Amjad
- Division of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Baltimore Maryland USA
| | - Julia G Burgdorf
- Center for Home Care Policy & Research Visiting Nurse Service of New York New York New York USA
| | - Jessica Cassidy
- School of Social Work University of Texas at Arlington Arlington Texas USA
| | | | - Chanee D Fabius
- Department of Health Policy and Management Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Baltimore Maryland USA
| | - Ariel R Green
- Division of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Baltimore Maryland USA
| | - C T Lin
- University of Colorado Aurora Colorado USA
| | - Stephanie K Nothelle
- Division of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Baltimore Maryland USA
| | - Danielle S Powell
- Department of Hearing & Speech Sciences University of Maryland College Park Maryland USA
| | - Catherine A Riffin
- Division of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine Weill Cornell Medical Center New York New York USA
| | - Jamie Smith
- Johns Hopkins School of Nursing Baltimore Maryland USA
| | - Hillary D Lum
- Division of Geriatric Medicine University of Colorado School of Medicine Aurora Colorado USA
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Coetzer JA, Loukili I, Goedhart NS, Ket JCF, Schuitmaker-Warnaar TJ, Zuiderent-Jerak T, Dedding C. The potential and paradoxes of eHealth research for digitally marginalised groups: A qualitative meta-review. Soc Sci Med 2024; 350:116895. [PMID: 38710135 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2024.116895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
Whilst the transformation towards digital healthcare is accelerating, there is still a substantial risk of excluding people with a distance to the online world. Groups like people with a low socioeconomic position, people with a migrant background or the elderly, who are already most at risk of experiencing health inequalities, are simultaneously experiencing increased digital exclusion. Researchers play a role in determining how eHealth access is framed and can thus impact how the barriers to its use are addressed. This qualitative meta-review critically evaluates the way researchers (as authors) discuss eHealth use in digitally marginalised groups. Specifically, it seeks to understand how eHealth is framed to address existing health systems problems; how the barriers to eHealth use are presented and which solutions are provided in response; and who authors suggest should be responsible for making eHealth work. The results of this review found four paradoxes in how current literature views eHealth use. Firstly, that health systems problems are complex and nuanced, yet eHealth is seen as a simple answer. Secondly, that there are many political, social and health systems-based solutions suggested to address eHealth use, however most of the identified barriers are individually framed. This focus on personal deficits results in misallocating responsibility for making these systemic improvements. Thirdly, although eHealth is meant to simplify the tasks of patients and healthcare workers, these are the groups most often burdened with the responsibility of ensuring its success. Lastly, despite tailoring eHealth to the user being the most suggested solution, researchers generally speak about groups as a homogenous entity - thus rendering tailoring difficult. Ultimately, this review finds that a shift to focus research on addressing systemic issues on a systems level is necessary to prevent further exacerbating existing health inequalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica A Coetzer
- Athena Institute, Faculty of Science, VU University, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081HV, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Ibrahim Loukili
- Department of Ethics, Law & Humanities, Amsterdam UMC, De Boelelaan 1089a, F-vleugel medische faculteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Nicole S Goedhart
- Department of Ethics, Law & Humanities, Amsterdam UMC, De Boelelaan 1089a, F-vleugel medische faculteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Johannes C F Ket
- VUmc, Medische Bibliotheek, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | | | - Teun Zuiderent-Jerak
- Athena Institute, Faculty of Science, VU University, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081HV, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Christine Dedding
- Department of Ethics, Law & Humanities, Amsterdam UMC, De Boelelaan 1089a, F-vleugel medische faculteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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Reading Turchioe M, Mangal S. Health literacy, numeracy, graph literacy, and digital literacy: an overview of definitions, evaluation methods, and best practices. Eur J Cardiovasc Nurs 2024; 23:423-428. [PMID: 37590968 PMCID: PMC11129894 DOI: 10.1093/eurjcn/zvad085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
Health literacy is an important skill for people receiving care. Those with limited literacy face disparities in their care and health outcomes when strategies for addressing literacy are not used when delivering health information. In this article, we introduce the importance of considering health literacy, defining it and related concepts including numeracy, graph literacy, and digital literacy, and discuss open questions about measuring health literacy in clinical care. Finally, we present best practices, including assuming 'universal precautions', carefully considering wording, leveraging visualizations, recognizing cultural differences in interpretation, providing guidance on pilot testing, and considering digital literacy when developing electronic materials.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sabrina Mangal
- University of Washington School of Nursing, Seattle, WA, USA
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10
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Khatib R, Glowacki N, Chang E, Lauffenburger J, Pletcher MJ, Siddiqi A. Disparities in Patient Portal Engagement Among Patients With Hypertension Treated in Primary Care. JAMA Netw Open 2024; 7:e2411649. [PMID: 38748420 PMCID: PMC11096988 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.11649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Importance Patient portals are increasingly used for patient-clinician communication and to introduce interventions aimed at improving blood pressure control. Objective To characterize patient portal use among patients with hypertension managed in primary care. Design, Settings, and Participants This retrospective cohort study used electronic health records linked with patient portal log file data from a large, diverse Midwestern health care system. Patients with hypertension who had a primary care visit from January 1, 2021, to December 31, 2021, were included. The first visit in 2021 was considered the baseline visit; patient portal engagement was evaluated during the following year. Multivariate logistic regressions, presented as odds ratios (ORs) and 95% CIs, were used to evaluate associations between patient characteristics and patient portal engagement, adjusting for potential confounders. Exposures Primary exposures included 4 sociodemographic factors routinely collected in the electronic health record: race and ethnicity, insurance, preferred language, and smoking status. Main Outcomes and Measures Indicators of patient engagement with the patient portal included accessing the patient portal at least once, accessing the portal within 7 days of at least 50.0% of primary care physician (PCP) visits, frequent logins (<28 vs ≥28), messaging (<2 vs ≥2), and sharing home blood pressure readings. Results Among 366 871 patients (mean [SD], 63.5 [12.6] years), 52.8% were female, 3.4% were Asian, 7.8% were Hispanic, 19.7% were non-Hispanic Black, 66.9% were non-Hispanic White, and 2.3% were of other race or ethnicity. During the 1-year study period starting in 2021, 70.5% accessed the patient portal at least once, 60.2% accessed around the time of their PCP visits, 35.7% accessed the portal frequently, 28.9% engaged in messaging, and 8.7% shared home blood pressure readings. Compared with White patients, non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic patients had lower odds of any access (Black: OR, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.52-0.54; Hispanic: OR, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.64-0.68), access around PCP visit time (Black: OR, 0.49; 95% CI, 0.48-0.50; Hispanic: OR, 0.62; 95% CI, 0.60-0.64), frequent access (Black: OR, 0.56; 95% CI, 0.55-0.57; Hispanic: OR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.69-0.73), and messaging (Black: OR, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.61-0.64); Hispanic: OR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.69-0.73). Conclusions and Relevance This cohort study of patients with hypertension found clear sociodemographic disparities in patient portal engagement among those treated in primary care. Without special efforts to engage patients with portals, interventions that use patient portals to target hypertension may exacerbate disparities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rasha Khatib
- Advocate Aurora Research Institute, Advocate Health, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Nicole Glowacki
- Advocate Aurora Research Institute, Advocate Health, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Eva Chang
- Advocate Aurora Research Institute, Advocate Health, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Julie Lauffenburger
- Center for Healthcare Delivery Sciences (C4HDS), Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacoeconomics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Mark J. Pletcher
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco
| | - Alvia Siddiqi
- Enterprise Population Health, Advocate Health, Rolling Meadows, Illinois
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Turer RW, McDonald SA, Lehmann CU, Thakur B, Dutta S, Taylor RA, Rose CC, Frisch A, Feterik K, Norquist C, Baker CK, Nielson JA, Cha D, Kwan B, Dameff C, Killeen JP, Hall MK, Doerning RC, Rosenbloom ST, Distaso C, Steitz BD. Real-Time Electronic Patient Portal Use Among Emergency Department Patients. JAMA Netw Open 2024; 7:e249831. [PMID: 38700859 PMCID: PMC11069088 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.9831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Importance Patients with inequitable access to patient portals frequently present to emergency departments (EDs) for care. Little is known about portal use patterns among ED patients. Objectives To describe real-time patient portal usage trends among ED patients and compare demographic and clinical characteristics between portal users and nonusers. Design, Setting, and Participants In this cross-sectional study of 12 teaching and 24 academic-affiliated EDs from 8 health systems in California, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Ohio, Tennessee, Texas, and Washington, patient portal access and usage data were evaluated for all ED patients 18 years or older between April 5, 2021, and April 4, 2022. Exposure Use of the patient portal during ED visit. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcomes were the weekly proportions of ED patients who logged into the portal, viewed test results, and viewed clinical notes in real time. Pooled random-effects models were used to evaluate temporal trends and demographic and clinical characteristics associated with real-time portal use. Results The study included 1 280 924 unique patient encounters (53.5% female; 0.6% American Indian or Alaska Native, 3.7% Asian, 18.0% Black, 10.7% Hispanic, 0.4% Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, 66.5% White, 10.0% other race, and 4.0% with missing race or ethnicity; 91.2% English-speaking patients; mean [SD] age, 51.9 [19.2] years). During the study, 17.4% of patients logged into the portal while in the ED, whereas 14.1% viewed test results and 2.5% viewed clinical notes. The odds of accessing the portal (odds ratio [OR], 1.36; 95% CI, 1.19-1.56), viewing test results (OR, 1.63; 95% CI, 1.30-2.04), and viewing clinical notes (OR, 1.60; 95% CI, 1.19-2.15) were higher at the end of the study vs the beginning. Patients with active portal accounts at ED arrival had a higher odds of logging into the portal (OR, 17.73; 95% CI, 9.37-33.56), viewing test results (OR, 18.50; 95% CI, 9.62-35.57), and viewing clinical notes (OR, 18.40; 95% CI, 10.31-32.86). Patients who were male, Black, or without commercial insurance had lower odds of logging into the portal, viewing results, and viewing clinical notes. Conclusions and Relevance These findings suggest that real-time patient portal use during ED encounters has increased over time, but disparities exist in portal access that mirror trends in portal usage more generally. Given emergency medicine's role in caring for medically underserved patients, there are opportunities for EDs to enroll and train patients in using patient portals to promote engagement during and after their visits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert W. Turer
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas
- Clinical Informatics Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas
| | - Samuel A. McDonald
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas
- Clinical Informatics Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas
| | - Christoph U. Lehmann
- Clinical Informatics Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas
| | - Bhaskar Thakur
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas
| | - Sayon Dutta
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Mass General Brigham, Boston, Massachusetts
- Mass General Brigham Digital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Richard A. Taylor
- Department of Emergency Medicine and Section for Biomedical Informatics and Data Science, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
- Department of Biostatistics, Yale School of Public Heath, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Christian C. Rose
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Adam Frisch
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Kristian Feterik
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Craig Norquist
- Department of Emergency Medicine, HonorHealth, Phoenix, Arizona
| | - Carrie K. Baker
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Kettering Health, and Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine, Dayton, Ohio
| | - Jeffrey A. Nielson
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Kettering Health, and Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine, Dayton, Ohio
| | - David Cha
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Kettering Health, and Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine, Dayton, Ohio
| | - Brian Kwan
- Department of Emergency Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego
| | - Christian Dameff
- Department of Emergency Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego
| | - James P. Killeen
- Department of Emergency Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego
| | - Michael K. Hall
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle
| | | | - S. Trent Rosenbloom
- Departments of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Casey Distaso
- Departments of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Bryan D. Steitz
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
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Groom LL, Schoenthaler AM, Mann DM, Brody AA. Construction of the Digital Health Equity-Focused Implementation Research Conceptual Model - Bridging the Divide Between Equity-focused Digital Health and Implementation Research. PLOS DIGITAL HEALTH 2024; 3:e0000509. [PMID: 38776354 PMCID: PMC11111026 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pdig.0000509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/24/2024]
Abstract
Digital health implementations and investments continue to expand. As the reliance on digital health increases, it is imperative to implement technologies with inclusive and accessible approaches. A conceptual model can be used to guide equity-focused digital health implementations to improve suitability and uptake in diverse populations. The objective of this study is expand an implementation model with recommendations on the equitable implementation of new digital health technologies. The Digital Health Equity-Focused Implementation Research (DH-EquIR) conceptual model was developed based on a rigorous review of digital health implementation and health equity literature. The Equity-Focused Implementation Research for Health Programs (EquIR) model was used as a starting point and merged with digital equity and digital health implementation models. Existing theoretical frameworks and models were appraised as well as individual equity-sensitive implementation studies. Patient and program-related concepts related to digital equity, digital health implementation, and assessment of social/digital determinants of health were included. Sixty-two articles were analyzed to inform the adaption of the EquIR model for digital health. These articles included digital health equity models and frameworks, digital health implementation models and frameworks, research articles, guidelines, and concept analyses. Concepts were organized into EquIR conceptual groupings, including population health status, planning the program, designing the program, implementing the program, and equity-focused implementation outcomes. The adapted DH-EquIR conceptual model diagram was created as well as detailed tables displaying related equity concepts, evidence gaps in source articles, and analysis of existing equity-related models and tools. The DH-EquIR model serves to guide digital health developers and implementation specialists to promote the inclusion of health-equity planning in every phase of implementation. In addition, it can assist researchers and product developers to avoid repeating the mistakes that have led to inequities in the implementation of digital health across populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa L. Groom
- Rory Meyers College of Nursing, New York University, New York, New York, United States of America
- Medical Center Information Technology Department of Health Informatics, New York University Langone Health, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Antoinette M. Schoenthaler
- Institute for Excellence in Health Equity, New York University Langone Health, New York, New York, United States of America
- Department of Population Health, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Devin M. Mann
- Medical Center Information Technology Department of Health Informatics, New York University Langone Health, New York, New York, United States of America
- Department of Population Health, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Abraham A. Brody
- Rory Meyers College of Nursing, New York University, New York, New York, United States of America
- Division of Geriatric Medicine and Palliative Care, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
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Çevik HS, Muente C, Muehlensiepen F, Birtwistle J, Pachanov A, Pieper D, Allsop MJ. Systems for electronic documentation and sharing of advance care planning preferences: a scoping review. PROGRESS IN PALLIATIVE CARE 2024; 32:149-159. [PMID: 38831759 PMCID: PMC11145469 DOI: 10.1080/09699260.2024.2339106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
Digital approaches to support advance care planning (ACP) documentation and sharing are increasingly being used, with a lack of research to characterise their design, content, and use. This study aimed to characterise how digital approaches are being used to support ACP documentation and sharing internationally. A scoping review was performed in accordance with the JBI (formerly Joanna Briggs Institute) guidelines and the PRISMA 2020 checklist, prospectively registered on Open Science Framework (https://osf.io/xnrg3). MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, ACM Digital, IEEE Xplore and CINAHL were searched in February 2023. Only publications in English, published from 2008 onwards were considered. Eligibility criteria included a focus on ACP and electronic systems. Out of 2,393 records, 34 reports were included, predominantly from the USA (76.5%). ACP documentation is typically stored in electronic health records (EHRs) (67.6%), with a third (32.4%) enabling limited patient access. Non-standard approaches (n = 15;44.1%) were the commonest study design of included reports, with outcome measures focusing on the influence of systems on the documentation (i.e. creation, quantity, quality, frequency or timing) of ACP information (n = 23;67.6%). Digital approaches to support ACP are being implemented and researched internationally with an evidence base dominated by non-standard study designs. Future research is needed to extend outcome measurement to consider aspects of care quality and explore whether the content of existing systems aligns with aspects of care that are valued by patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hüsna Sarıca Çevik
- Leeds Institute of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
- Department of Family Medicine, Ankara University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Catharina Muente
- Faculty of Health Sciences Brandenburg, Brandenburg Medical School (Theodor Fontane), Institute for Health Services and Health System Research, Rüdersdorf, Germany
- Center for Health Services Research, Brandenburg Medical School (Theodor Fontane), Rüdersdorf, Germany
| | - Felix Muehlensiepen
- Faculty of Health Sciences Brandenburg, Brandenburg Medical School (Theodor Fontane), Institute for Health Services and Health System Research, Rüdersdorf, Germany
- Center for Health Services Research, Brandenburg Medical School (Theodor Fontane), Rüdersdorf, Germany
- Evidence Based Practice in Brandenburg: A JBI Affiliated Group, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Jacqueline Birtwistle
- Leeds Institute of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Alexander Pachanov
- Faculty of Health Sciences Brandenburg, Brandenburg Medical School (Theodor Fontane), Institute for Health Services and Health System Research, Rüdersdorf, Germany
- Center for Health Services Research, Brandenburg Medical School (Theodor Fontane), Rüdersdorf, Germany
- Evidence Based Practice in Brandenburg: A JBI Affiliated Group, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Dawid Pieper
- Faculty of Health Sciences Brandenburg, Brandenburg Medical School (Theodor Fontane), Institute for Health Services and Health System Research, Rüdersdorf, Germany
- Center for Health Services Research, Brandenburg Medical School (Theodor Fontane), Rüdersdorf, Germany
- Evidence Based Practice in Brandenburg: A JBI Affiliated Group, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Matthew J. Allsop
- Leeds Institute of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
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14
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Benjamins J, de Vet E, de Mortier CA, Haveman-Nies A. The Effect of Using a Client-Accessible Health Record on Perceived Quality of Care: Interview Study Among Parents and Adolescents. J Particip Med 2024; 16:e50092. [PMID: 38652532 PMCID: PMC11077414 DOI: 10.2196/50092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patient-accessible electronic health records (PAEHRs) are assumed to enhance the quality of care, expressed in terms of safety, effectiveness, timeliness, person centeredness, efficiency, and equity. However, research on the impact of PAEHRs on the perceived quality of care among parents, children, and adolescents is largely lacking. In the Netherlands, a PAEHR (Iuvenelis) was developed for preventive child health care and youth care. Parents and adolescents had access to its full content, could manage appointments, ask questions, and comment on written reports. OBJECTIVE This study aims to assess whether and how using this PAEHR contributes to perceived quality of care from a client's perspective. METHODS We chose a qualitative design with a phenomenological approach to explore how parents and adolescents perceived the impact of using a PAEHR on quality of care. In-depth interviews that simultaneously included 1 to 3 people were conducted in 2021. In total, 20 participants were included in the study, representing parents and adolescents, both sexes, different educational levels, different native countries, and all participating municipalities. Within this group, 7 of 13 (54%) parents had not previously been informed about the existence of a client portal. Their expectations of using the client portal, in relation to quality of care, were discussed after a demonstration of the portal. RESULTS Parents and adolescents perceived that using Iuvenelis contributed to the quality of care because they felt better informed and more involved in the care process than before the introduction of Iuvenelis. Moreover, they experienced more control over their health data, faster and simpler access to their health information, and found it easier to manage appointments or ask questions at their convenience. Parents from a migratory background, among whom 6 of 7 (86%) had not previously been informed about the portal, expected that portal access would enhance their understanding of and control over their care processes. The parents expressed concerns about equity because parents from a migratory background might have less access to the service. Nevertheless, portal usability was regarded as high. Furthermore, both parents and adolescents saw room for improvement in the broader interdisciplinary use of Iuvenelis and the quality of reporting. CONCLUSIONS Using Iuvenelis can contribute to the client-experienced quality of care, more specifically to perceived person centeredness, timeliness, safety, efficiency, and integration of care. However, some quality aspects, such as equity, still need addressing. In general, client information about the portal needs to be improved, specifically focusing on people in vulnerable circumstances, such as those from migratory backgrounds. In addition, to maximize the potential benefit of using Iuvenelis, stimulating a person-centered attitude among professionals is important. Considering the small number of adolescent participants (n=7), adding quantitative data from a structured survey could strengthen the available evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janine Benjamins
- Chairgroup Consumption and Healthy Lifestyles, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
- Icare JGZ, Meppel, Netherlands
- Stichting Jeugd Noord Veluwe, Nunspeet, Netherlands
| | - Emely de Vet
- Chairgroup Consumption and Healthy Lifestyles, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
- University Collega Tilburg, Tilburg University, Tilburg, Netherlands
| | - Chloe A de Mortier
- Department of Health Services Research, Care and Public Health Research Institute, Faculty of Health Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
- School of Health Professions Education, Faculty of Health Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
- Knowledge Instiute of Medical Specialists, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Annemien Haveman-Nies
- Chairgroup Consumption and Healthy Lifestyles, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
- GGD Noord-en Oost Gelderland, Warnsveld, Netherlands
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Fisher ER, Cragun D, Dedrick RF, Lumpkins CY, Ramírez M, Kaphingst KA, Petersen A, MacFarlane IM, Redlinger-Grosse K, Shire A, Culhane-Pera KA, Zierhut HA. Linking genetic counseling communication skills to patient outcomes and experiences using a community-engagement and provider-engagement approach: research protocol for the GC-PRO mixed methods sequential explanatory study. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e085472. [PMID: 38631834 PMCID: PMC11029319 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2024-085472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In over 50 years since the genetic counseling (GC) profession began, a systematic study of GC communication skills and patient-reported outcomes in actual sessions across multiple clinical specialties has never been conducted. To optimize GC quality and improve efficiency of care, the field must first be able to comprehensively measure GC skills and determine which skills are most critical to achieving positive patient experiences and outcomes. This study aims to characterise GC communication skills using a novel and pragmatic measure and link variations in communication skills to patient-reported outcomes, across clinical specialties and with patients from diverse backgrounds in the USA. Our community-engagement and provider-engagement approach is crucial to develop recommendations for quality, culturally informed GC care, which are greatly needed to improve GC practice. METHODS AND ANALYSIS A mixed methods, sequential explanatory design will be used to collect and analyze: audio-recorded GC sessions in cancer, cardiac, and prenatal/reproductive genetic indications; pre-visit and post-visit quantitative surveys capturing patient experiences and outcomes and post-visit qualitative interview data. A novel, practical checklist will measure GC communication skills. Coincidence analysis will identify patterns of GC skills that are consistent with high scores on patient-reported measures. Two-level, multilevel models will be used to evaluate how GC communication skills and other session/patient characteristics predict patient-reported outcomes. Four community advisory boards (CABs) and a genetic counselor advisory board will inform the study design and analysis. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION This study has been approved by the single Institutional Review Board of the University of Minnesota. This research poses no greater than minimal risk to participants. Results from this study will be shared through national and international conferences and through community-based dissemination as guided by the study's CABs. A lay summary will also be disseminated to all participants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena R Fisher
- Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development, University of Minnesota College of Biological Sciences, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Deborah Cragun
- University of South Florida College of Public Health, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Robert F Dedrick
- Educational and Psychological Studies, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Crystal Y Lumpkins
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
- Department of Communication, The University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Mariana Ramírez
- JUNTOS Center for Advancing Latino Health, University of Kansas Medical Center Department of Population Health, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
| | - Kimberly A Kaphingst
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
- Department of Communication, The University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Ashley Petersen
- University of Minnesota School of Public Health, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Ian M MacFarlane
- Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development, University of Minnesota College of Biological Sciences, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Krista Redlinger-Grosse
- Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development, University of Minnesota College of Biological Sciences, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | | | - Kathleen A Culhane-Pera
- SoLaHmo Partnership for Health and Wellness, Community-University Health Care Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Heather A Zierhut
- Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development, University of Minnesota College of Biological Sciences, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
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Williamson AK, Antonio MG, Davis S, Kameswaran V, Dillahunt TR, Buis LR, Veinot TC. Human technology intermediation to reduce cognitive load: understanding healthcare staff members' practices to facilitate telehealth access in a Federally Qualified Health Center patient population. J Am Med Inform Assoc 2024; 31:832-845. [PMID: 38300760 PMCID: PMC10990534 DOI: 10.1093/jamia/ocad257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to investigate how healthcare staff intermediaries support Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) patients' access to telehealth, how their approaches reflect cognitive load theory (CLT) and determine which approaches FQHC patients find helpful and whether their perceptions suggest cognitive load (CL) reduction. MATERIALS AND METHODS Semistructured interviews with staff (n = 9) and patients (n = 22) at an FQHC in a Midwestern state. First-cycle coding of interview transcripts was performed inductively to identify helping processes and participants' evaluations of them. Next, these inductive codes were mapped onto deductive codes from CLT. RESULTS Staff intermediaries used 4 approaches to support access to, and usage of, video visits and patient portals for FQHC patients: (1) shielding patients from cognitive overload; (2) drawing from long-term memory; (3) supporting the development of schemas; and (4) reducing the extraneous load of negative emotions. These approaches could contribute to CL reduction and each was viewed as helpful to at least some patients. For patients, there were beneficial impacts on learning, emotions, and perceptions about the self and technology. Intermediation also resulted in successful visits despite challenges. DISCUSSION Staff intermediaries made telehealth work for FQHC patients, and emotional support was crucial. Without prior training, staff discovered approaches that aligned with CLT and helped patients access technologies. Future healthcare intermediary interventions may benefit from the application of CLT in their design. Staff providing brief explanations about technical problems and solutions might help patients learn about technologies informally over time. CONCLUSION CLT can help with developing intermediary approaches for facilitating telehealth access.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marcy G Antonio
- School of Information, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Sage Davis
- Covenant Community Care, Detroit, MI, United States
| | | | - Tawanna R Dillahunt
- School of Information, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- College of Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Lorraine R Buis
- School of Information, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Department of Family Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Tiffany C Veinot
- School of Information, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Department of Learning Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
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Walker DM, Hefner JL, MacEwan SR, Di Tosto G, Sova LN, Gaughan AA, Huerta TR, McAlearney AS. Differences by Race in Outcomes of an In-Person Training Intervention on Use of an Inpatient Portal: A Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Netw Open 2024; 7:e245091. [PMID: 38573634 PMCID: PMC11192182 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.5091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Importance Differences in patient use of health information technologies by race can adversely impact equitable access to health care services. While this digital divide is well documented, there is limited evidence of how health care systems have used interventions to narrow the gap. Objective To compare differences in the effectiveness of patient training and portal functionality interventions implemented to increase portal use among racial groups. Design, Setting, and Participants This secondary analysis used data from a randomized clinical trial conducted from December 15, 2016, to August 31, 2019. Data were from a single health care system and included 6 noncancer hospitals. Participants were patients who were at least 18 years of age, identified English as their preferred language, were not involuntarily confined or detained, and agreed to be provided a tablet to access the inpatient portal during their stay. Data were analyzed from September 1, 2022, to October 31, 2023. Interventions A 2 × 2 factorial design was used to compare the inpatient portal training intervention (touch, in-person [high] vs built-in video tutorial [low]) and the portal functionality intervention (technology, full functionality [full] vs a limited subset of functions [lite]). Main Outcomes and Measures Primary outcomes were inpatient portal use, measured by frequency and comprehensiveness of use, and use of specific portal functions. A logistic regression model was used to test the association of the estimators with the comprehensiveness use measure. Outcomes are reported as incidence rate ratios (IRRs) for the frequency outcomes or odds ratios (ORs) for the comprehensiveness outcomes with corresponding 95% CIs. Results Of 2892 participants, 550 (19.0%) were Black individuals, 2221 (76.8%) were White individuals, and 121 (4.2%) were categorized as other race (including African, American Indian or Alaska Native, Asian or Asian American, multiple races or ethnicities, and unknown race or ethnicity). Black participants had a significantly lower frequency (IRR, 0.80 [95% CI, 0.72-0.89]) of inpatient portal use compared with White participants. Interaction effects were not observed between technology, touch, and race. Among participants who received the full technology intervention, Black participants had lower odds of being comprehensive users (OR, 0.76 [95% CI, 0.62-0.91), but interaction effects were not observed between touch and race. Conclusions and Relevance In this study, providing in-person training or robust portal functionality did not narrow the divide between Black participants and White participants with respect to their inpatient portal use. Health systems looking to narrow the digital divide may need to consider intentional interventions that address underlying issues contributing to this inequity. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02943109.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel M. Walker
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus
- CATALYST, The Center for the Advancement of Team Science, Analytics, and Systems Thinking in Health Services and Implementation Science Research, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus
| | - Jennifer L. Hefner
- CATALYST, The Center for the Advancement of Team Science, Analytics, and Systems Thinking in Health Services and Implementation Science Research, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus
- Division of Health Services Management and Policy, College of Public Health, The Ohio State University, Columbus
| | - Sarah R. MacEwan
- CATALYST, The Center for the Advancement of Team Science, Analytics, and Systems Thinking in Health Services and Implementation Science Research, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus
- Division of General Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus
| | - Gennaro Di Tosto
- CATALYST, The Center for the Advancement of Team Science, Analytics, and Systems Thinking in Health Services and Implementation Science Research, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus
| | - Lindsey N. Sova
- CATALYST, The Center for the Advancement of Team Science, Analytics, and Systems Thinking in Health Services and Implementation Science Research, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus
| | - Alice A. Gaughan
- CATALYST, The Center for the Advancement of Team Science, Analytics, and Systems Thinking in Health Services and Implementation Science Research, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus
| | - Timothy R. Huerta
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus
- CATALYST, The Center for the Advancement of Team Science, Analytics, and Systems Thinking in Health Services and Implementation Science Research, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus
| | - Ann Scheck McAlearney
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus
- CATALYST, The Center for the Advancement of Team Science, Analytics, and Systems Thinking in Health Services and Implementation Science Research, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus
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Burgdorf JG, Fabius CD, Wu MMJ, Gleason KT, Wolff JL. Patient Portal Use during Home Health Care at an Academic Health System. J Am Med Dir Assoc 2024; 25:729-733.e4. [PMID: 38006904 PMCID: PMC10990788 DOI: 10.1016/j.jamda.2023.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/27/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To characterize patient portal use among older adults receiving skilled home health (HH) care. DESIGN Retrospective cohort study. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS Older adults (aged ≥65 years) who received HH care from a large, academic health system between 2017 to 2022 (n = 8409 HH episodes provided to n = 4878 unique individuals). METHODS We captured individual and HH episode characteristics from the electronic health record and identified specific types and dates of portal use for those with an active patient portal. We calculated the proportion of episodes in which patients engaged in specific patient portal activities (eg, viewing test results, managing appointments, sending messages). We used multivariable logistic regression to model the odds of engaging in each activity as a function of patient and episode characteristics, and charted the timing of patient portal activities across the 60-day HH episode. RESULTS The patient portal was used by older adults in more than half (58%) of the episodes examined. Among those using their portal account during an HH episode, 84% viewed test results, 77% managed an existing appointment, 72% managed medications, and 55% sent a message to a provider. Adjusted odds of portal use were higher among HH patients who were married (aOR: 1.77, P < .001), receiving HH post-COVID pandemic (aOR: 2.73, P < .001), and accessing HH following a hospitalization (aOR: 1.30, P < .001) and lower among those who were Black compared with white (aOR: 0.52, P < .001). Portal use, particularly viewing test results and clinical notes and managing existing appointments, was highest during the first 10 days of an HH episode, especially among patients referred following a hospitalization. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS HH patients use the patient portal to perform care management tasks and access clinical information. Study findings support opportunities to harness the patient portal to bridge information gaps and care coordination during HH care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia G Burgdorf
- Center for Home Care Policy & Research, VNS Health, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Chanee D Fabius
- Department of Health Policy & Management, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Mingche M J Wu
- Department of Health Policy & Management, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Kelly T Gleason
- Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jennifer L Wolff
- Department of Health Policy & Management, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Ganeshan S, Liu AW, Kroeger A, Anand P, Seefeldt R, Regner A, Vaughn D, Odisho AY, Mourad M. An Electronic Health Record-Based Automated Self-Rescheduling Tool to Improve Patient Access: Retrospective Cohort Study. J Med Internet Res 2024; 26:e52071. [PMID: 38502159 PMCID: PMC10988365 DOI: 10.2196/52071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In many large health centers, patients face long appointment wait times and difficulties accessing care. Last-minute cancellations and patient no-shows leave unfilled slots in a clinician's schedule, exacerbating delays in care from poor access. The mismatch between the supply of outpatient appointments and patient demand has led health systems to adopt many tools and strategies to minimize appointment no-show rates and fill open slots left by patient cancellations. OBJECTIVE We evaluated an electronic health record (EHR)-based self-scheduling tool, Fast Pass, at a large academic medical center to understand the impacts of the tool on the ability to fill cancelled appointment slots, patient access to earlier appointments, and clinical revenue from visits that may otherwise have gone unscheduled. METHODS In this retrospective cohort study, we extracted Fast Pass appointment offers and scheduling data, including patient demographics, from the EHR between June 18, 2022, and March 9, 2023. We analyzed the outcomes of Fast Pass offers (accepted, declined, expired, and unavailable) and the outcomes of scheduled appointments resulting from accepted Fast Pass offers (completed, canceled, and no-show). We stratified outcomes based on appointment specialty. For each specialty, the patient service revenue from appointments filled by Fast Pass was calculated using the visit slots filled, the payer mix of the appointments, and the contribution margin by payer. RESULTS From June 18 to March 9, 2023, there were a total of 60,660 Fast Pass offers sent to patients for 21,978 available appointments. Of these offers, 6603 (11%) were accepted across all departments, and 5399 (8.9%) visits were completed. Patients were seen a median (IQR) of 14 (4-33) days sooner for their appointments. In a multivariate logistic regression model with primary outcome Fast Pass offer acceptance, patients who were aged 65 years or older (vs 20-40 years; P=.005 odds ratio [OR] 0.86, 95% CI 0.78-0.96), other ethnicity (vs White; P<.001, OR 0.84, 95% CI 0.77-0.91), primarily Chinese speakers (P<.001; OR 0.62, 95% CI 0.49-0.79), and other language speakers (vs English speakers; P=.001; OR 0.71, 95% CI 0.57-0.87) were less likely to accept an offer. Fast Pass added 2576 patient service hours to the clinical schedule, with a median (IQR) of 251 (216-322) hours per month. The estimated value of physician fees from these visits scheduled through 9 months of Fast Pass scheduling in professional fees at our institution was US $3 million. CONCLUSIONS Self-scheduling tools that provide patients with an opportunity to schedule into cancelled or unfilled appointment slots have the potential to improve patient access and efficiently capture additional revenue from filling unfilled slots. The demographics of the patients accepting these offers suggest that such digital tools may exacerbate inequities in access.
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Affiliation(s)
- Smitha Ganeshan
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Andrew W Liu
- Department of Urology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Anne Kroeger
- UCSF Health Faculty Practices, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Prerna Anand
- UCSF Health Faculty Practices, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Richard Seefeldt
- UCSF Health Faculty Practices, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Alexis Regner
- UCSF Health Faculty Practices, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Diana Vaughn
- UCSF Health Faculty Practices, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Anobel Y Odisho
- Department of Urology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Michelle Mourad
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
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20
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Tang M, Mishuris RG, Payvandi L, Stern AD. Differences in Care Team Response to Patient Portal Messages by Patient Race and Ethnicity. JAMA Netw Open 2024; 7:e242618. [PMID: 38497963 PMCID: PMC10949096 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.2618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Importance The COVID-19 pandemic was associated with substantial growth in patient portal messaging. Higher message volumes have largely persisted, reflecting a new normal. Prior work has documented lower message use by patients who belong to minoritized racial and ethnic groups, but research has not examined differences in care team response to messages. Both have substantial ramifications on resource allocation and care access under a new care paradigm with portal messaging as a central channel for patient-care team communication. Objective To examine differences in how care teams respond to patient portal messages sent by patients from different racial and ethnic groups. Design, Setting, and Participants In a cross-sectional design in a large safety-net health system, response outcomes from medical advice message threads sent from January 1, 2021, through November 24, 2021, from Asian, Black, Hispanic, and White patients were compared, controlling for patient and message thread characteristics. Asian, Black, Hispanic, and White patients with 1 or more adult primary care visits at Boston Medical Center in calendar year 2020 were included. Data analysis was conducted from June 23, 2022, through December 21, 2023. Exposure Patient race and ethnicity. Main Outcomes and Measures Rates at which medical advice request messages were responded to by care teams and the types of health care professionals that responded. Results A total of 39 043 patients were included in the sample: 2006 were Asian, 21 600 were Black, 7185 were Hispanic, and 8252 were White. A total of 22 744 (58.3%) patients were women and mean (SD) age was 50.4 (16.7) years. In 2021, these patients initiated 57 704 medical advice request message threads. When patients who belong to minoritized racial and ethnic groups sent these messages, the likelihood of receiving any care team response was similar, but the types of health care professionals that responded differed. Black patients were 3.95 percentage points (pp) less likely (95% CI, -5.34 to -2.57 pp; P < .001) to receive a response from an attending physician, and 3.01 pp more likely (95% CI, 1.76-4.27 pp; P < .001) to receive a response from a registered nurse, corresponding to a 17.4% lower attending response rate. Similar, but smaller, differences were observed for Asian and Hispanic patients. Conclusions and Relevance The findings of this study suggest lower prioritization of patients who belong to minoritized racial and ethnic groups during triaging. Understanding and addressing these disparities will be important for improving care equity and informing health care delivery support algorithms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitchell Tang
- Harvard Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, Cambridge, Massachusetts
- Harvard Business School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Rebecca G. Mishuris
- Digital, Mass General Brigham, Somerville, Massachusetts
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Lily Payvandi
- Department of Family Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
- Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Ariel D. Stern
- Harvard Business School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Harvard-MIT Center for Regulatory Science, Boston, Massachusetts
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21
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Bell SK, Amat MJ, Anderson TS, Aronson MD, Benneyan JC, Fernandez L, Ricci DA, Salant T, Schiff GD, Shafiq U, Singer SJ, Sternberg SB, Zhang C, Phillips RS. Do patients who read visit notes on the patient portal have a higher rate of "loop closure" on diagnostic tests and referrals in primary care? A retrospective cohort study. J Am Med Inform Assoc 2024; 31:622-630. [PMID: 38164964 PMCID: PMC10873783 DOI: 10.1093/jamia/ocad250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The 2021 US Cures Act may engage patients to help reduce diagnostic errors/delays. We examined the relationship between patient portal registration with/without note reading and test/referral completion in primary care. MATERIALS AND METHODS Retrospective cohort study of patients with visits from January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2021, and order for (1) colonoscopy, (2) dermatology referral for concerning lesions, or (3) cardiac stress test at 2 academic primary care clinics. We examined differences in timely completion ("loop closure") of tests/referrals for (1) patients who used the portal and read ≥1 note (Portal + Notes); (2) those with a portal account but who did not read notes (Portal Account Only); and (3) those who did not register for the portal (No Portal). We estimated the predictive probability of loop closure in each group after adjusting for socio-demographic and clinical factors using multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS Among 12 849 tests/referrals, loop closure was more common among Portal+Note-readers compared to their counterparts for all tests/referrals (54.2% No Portal, 57.4% Portal Account Only, 61.6% Portal+Notes, P < .001). In adjusted analysis, compared to the No Portal group, the odds of loop closure were significantly higher for Portal Account Only (OR 1.2; 95% CI, 1.1-1.4), and Portal+Notes (OR 1.4; 95% CI, 1.3-1.6) groups. Beyond portal registration, note reading was independently associated with loop closure (P = .002). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION Compared to no portal registration, the odds of loop closure were 20% higher in tests/referrals for patients with a portal account, and 40% higher in tests/referrals for note readers, after controlling for sociodemographic and clinical factors. However, important safety gaps from unclosed loops remain, requiring additional engagement strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sigall K Bell
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, United States
| | - Maelys J Amat
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, United States
| | - Timothy S Anderson
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, United States
| | - Mark D Aronson
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, United States
| | - James C Benneyan
- Healthcare Systems Engineering Institute, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - Leonor Fernandez
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, United States
| | - Dru A Ricci
- Center for Primary Care, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - Talya Salant
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, United States
- Bowdoin Street Health Center, Dorchester, MA 02122, United States
| | - Gordon D Schiff
- Center for Primary Care, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, United States
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - Umber Shafiq
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, United States
| | - Sara J Singer
- Department of Health Policy, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, United States
| | - Scot B Sternberg
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, United States
| | - Cancan Zhang
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, United States
| | - Russell S Phillips
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, United States
- Center for Primary Care, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, United States
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22
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Schwarz J, Meier-Diedrich E, Neumann K, Heinze M, Eisenmann Y, Thoma S. Reasons for Acceptance or Rejection of Online Record Access Among Patients Affected by a Severe Mental Illness: Mixed Methods Study. JMIR Ment Health 2024; 11:e51126. [PMID: 38315523 PMCID: PMC10877495 DOI: 10.2196/51126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Over the past few years, online record access (ORA) has been established through secure patient portals in various countries, allowing patients to access their health data, including clinical notes ("open notes"). Previous research indicates that ORA in mental health, particularly among patients with severe mental illness (SMI), has been rarely offered. Little is known about the expectations and motivations of patients with SMI when reading what their clinicians share via ORA. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study is to explore the reasons why patients with SMI consider or reject ORA and whether sociodemographic characteristics may influence patient decisions. METHODS ORA was offered to randomly selected patients at 3 university outpatient clinics in Brandenburg, Germany, which exclusively treat patients with SMI. Within the framework of a mixed methods evaluation, qualitative interviews were conducted with patients who chose to participate in ORA and those who declined, aiming to explore the underlying reasons for their decisions. The interviews were transcribed and analyzed using thematic analysis. Sociodemographic characteristics of patients were examined using descriptive statistics to identify predictors of acceptance or rejection of ORA. RESULTS Out of 103 included patients, 58% (n=60) wished to read their clinical notes. The reasons varied, ranging from a desire to engage more actively in their treatment to critically monitoring it and using the accessible data for third-party purposes. Conversely, 42% (n=43) chose not to use ORA, voicing concerns about possibly harming the trustful relationship with their clinicians as well as potential personal distress or uncertainty arising from reading the notes. Practical barriers such as a lack of digital literacy or suspected difficult-to-understand medical language were also named as contributing factors. Correlation analysis revealed that the majority of patients with depressive disorder desired to read the clinical notes (P<.001), while individuals with psychotic disorders showed a higher tendency to decline ORA (P<.05). No significant group differences were observed for other patient groups or characteristics. CONCLUSIONS The adoption of ORA is influenced by a wide range of motivational factors, while patients also present a similar variety of reasons for declining its use. The results emphasize the urgent need for knowledge and patient education regarding factors that may hinder the decision to use ORA, including its practical usage, its application possibilities, and concerns related to data privacy. Further research is needed to explore approaches for adequately preparing individuals with SMI to transition from their inherent interest to active engagement with ORA. TRIAL REGISTRATION German Clinical Trial Register DRKS00030188; https://drks.de/search/en/trial/DRKS00030188.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian Schwarz
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Center for Mental Health, Immanuel Hospital Rüdersdorf, Brandenburg Medical School Theodor Fontane, Rüdersdorf, Germany
- Center for Health Service Research Brandenburg, Brandenburg Medical School Theodor Fontane, Rüdersdorf, Germany
- Faculty of Health Sciences Brandenburg, Brandenburg Medical School Theodor Fontane, Neuruppin, Germany
| | - Eva Meier-Diedrich
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Center for Mental Health, Immanuel Hospital Rüdersdorf, Brandenburg Medical School Theodor Fontane, Rüdersdorf, Germany
- Faculty of Health Sciences Brandenburg, Brandenburg Medical School Theodor Fontane, Neuruppin, Germany
| | - Katharina Neumann
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Center for Mental Health, Immanuel Hospital Rüdersdorf, Brandenburg Medical School Theodor Fontane, Rüdersdorf, Germany
| | - Martin Heinze
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Center for Mental Health, Immanuel Hospital Rüdersdorf, Brandenburg Medical School Theodor Fontane, Rüdersdorf, Germany
- Center for Health Service Research Brandenburg, Brandenburg Medical School Theodor Fontane, Rüdersdorf, Germany
- Faculty of Health Sciences Brandenburg, Brandenburg Medical School Theodor Fontane, Neuruppin, Germany
| | - Yvonne Eisenmann
- Center for Health Service Research Brandenburg, Brandenburg Medical School Theodor Fontane, Rüdersdorf, Germany
- Faculty of Health Sciences Brandenburg, Brandenburg Medical School Theodor Fontane, Neuruppin, Germany
| | - Samuel Thoma
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Center for Mental Health, Immanuel Hospital Rüdersdorf, Brandenburg Medical School Theodor Fontane, Rüdersdorf, Germany
- Faculty of Health Sciences Brandenburg, Brandenburg Medical School Theodor Fontane, Neuruppin, Germany
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23
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Short-Russell M, Thompson J, Waldrop J. Secure Messaging: Demonstration and Enrollment Patient Portal Program: Patient Portal Use in Vulnerable Populations. Comput Inform Nurs 2024; 42:104-108. [PMID: 38206326 DOI: 10.1097/cin.0000000000001098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Vulnerable populations face challenges gaining access to quality healthcare, which places them at a high risk for poor health outcomes. Using patient portals and secure messaging can improve patient activation, access to care, patient follow-up adherence, and health outcomes. Developing and testing quality improvement strategies to help reduce disparities is vital to ensure patient portals benefit all, especially vulnerable populations. This quality improvement initiative aimed to increase enrollment in a patient portal, use secure messages, and adhere to follow-up appointments. Before the project, no patients were enrolled in the portal at this practice site. Over 8 weeks, 61% of invited patients were enrolled in the patient portal. Eighty-five percent were Medicaid recipients, and the others were underinsured. Eight patients utilized the portal for secure messaging. The follow-up appointment attendance rate was better in the enrolled patients than in those who did not enroll. The majority of survey respondents reported satisfaction in using the patient portal. Patient portal utilization and adoption in vulnerable groups can improve when a one-on-one, hands-on demonstration and technical assistance are provided.
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Wang CP, Mkuu R, Andreadis K, Muellers KA, Ancker JS, Horowitz C, Kaushal R, Lin JJ. Examining and Addressing Telemedicine Disparities Through the Lens of the Social Determinants of Health: A Qualitative Study of Patient and Provider During the COVID-19 Pandemic. AMIA ... ANNUAL SYMPOSIUM PROCEEDINGS. AMIA SYMPOSIUM 2024; 2023:1287-1296. [PMID: 38222380 PMCID: PMC10785927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
Accelerated use of telemedicine during the COVID-19 pandemic enabled uninterrupted healthcare delivery while unmasking care disparities for several vulnerable communities. The social determinants of health (SDOH) serve as a critical model for understanding how the circumstances in which people are born, work, and live impact health outcomes. We performed semi-structured interviews to understand patients and providers' experiences with telemedicine encounters during the COVID-19 pandemic. Through a deductive approach, we applied the SDOH to determine telemedicine's role and impact within this framework. Overall, patient and provider interviews supported the use of existing SDOH domains to describe disparities in Internet access and telemedicine use, rather than reframing technology as a sixth SDOH. In order to mitigate the digital divide, we identify and propose solutions that address SDOH-related barriers that shape the use of health information technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Katerina Andreadis
- NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York City, NY
- Weill Cornell Medicine, New York City, NY
| | - Kimberly A Muellers
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, NY
- Pace University, New York City, NY
| | | | - Carol Horowitz
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, NY
| | | | - Jenny J Lin
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, NY
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25
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Zachrison KS, Yan Z, Cui Y, Park L, Schwamm LH. Critical Domains Within the Self-Reported Patient Experience of Virtual Care. JAMA Netw Open 2024; 7:e2354159. [PMID: 38294816 PMCID: PMC10831569 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.54159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
This cross-sectional study examines the association between domains of patient experience with a physician and patient likelihood of recommending the physician for virtual vs in-person visits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kori S. Zachrison
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
| | - Zhiyu Yan
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Yizhou Cui
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
| | - Lee Park
- Department of Internal Medicine, Brigham & Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Mass General Brigham, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Lee H. Schwamm
- Department of Neurology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
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26
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Bratches RWR, Wall JA, Puga F, Pilonieta G, Jablonski R, Bakitas M, Geldmacher DS, Odom JN. Patient Portal Use Among Family Caregivers of Individuals With Dementia and Cancer: Regression Analysis From the National Study of Caregiving. JMIR Aging 2023; 6:e44166. [PMID: 38235767 PMCID: PMC10811454 DOI: 10.2196/44166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Family caregivers are often inexperienced and require information from clinic visits to effectively provide care for patients. Despite reported deficiencies, 68% of health systems facilitate sharing information with family caregivers through the patient portal. The patient portal is especially critical in the context of serious illnesses, like advanced cancer and dementia, where caregiving is intense and informational needs change over the trajectory of disease progression. Objective The objective of our study was to analyze a large, nationally representative sample of family caregivers from the National Study of Caregiving (NSOC) to determine individual characteristics and demographic factors associated with patient portal use among family caregivers of persons living with dementia and those living with cancer. Methods We conducted a secondary data analysis using data from the 2020 NSOC sample of family caregivers linked to National Health and Aging Trends Study. Weighted regression analysis by condition (ie, dementia or cancer) was used to examine associations between family caregiver use of the patient portal and demographic variables, including age, race or ethnicity, gender, employment status, caregiver health, education, and religiosity. Results A total of 462 participants (representing 4,589,844 weighted responses) were included in our analysis. In the fully adjusted regression model for caregivers of persons living with dementia, Hispanic ethnicity was associated with higher odds of patient portal use (OR: 2.81, 95% CI 1.05-7.57; P=.04), whereas qualification lower than a college degree was associated with lower odds of patient portal use by family caregiver (OR 0.36, 95% CI 0.18-0.71; P<.001. In the fully adjusted regression model for caregivers of persons living with cancer, no variables were found to be statistically significantly associated with patient portal use at the .05 level. Conclusions In our analysis of NSOC survey data, we found differences between how dementia and cancer caregivers access the patient portal. As the patient portal is a common method of connecting caregivers with information from clinic visits, future research should focus on understanding how the portal is used by the groups we have identified, and why.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reed W R Bratches
- School of Nursing, University of Alabama at Birmingham, BirminghamAL, United States
| | - Jaclyn A Wall
- School of Nursing, University of Alabama at Birmingham, BirminghamAL, United States
| | - Frank Puga
- School of Nursing, University of Alabama at Birmingham, BirminghamAL, United States
| | - Giovanna Pilonieta
- Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, BirminghamAL, United States
| | - Rita Jablonski
- School of Nursing, University of Alabama at Birmingham, BirminghamAL, United States
| | - Marie Bakitas
- School of Nursing, University of Alabama at Birmingham, BirminghamAL, United States
| | - David S Geldmacher
- Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, BirminghamAL, United States
| | - J Nicholas Odom
- School of Nursing, University of Alabama at Birmingham, BirminghamAL, United States
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27
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Matthews AK, Steffen AD, Burke LA, Donenberg G, Duangchan C, Akufo J, Opuada H, Oyaluade D, Vilona BH, Diaz H, Dodd D. The Use of Navigators to Increase Patient Portal Enrollment among Patients in a Federally Qualified Health Care System. Ethn Dis 2023; DECIPHeR:117-125. [PMID: 38846728 PMCID: PMC11099523 DOI: 10.18865/ed.decipher.117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose To describe the training, preliminary results, and lessons learned from using patient navigators to increase the enrollment of low-income patients in a health system-supported and electronic health record-linked patient portal. Methods Patient navigators (n=4) were trained to assist patients in a federally qualified health center to enroll in and use patient portals. Patient navigators were stationed at 3 clinic locations. Data from the electronic health record system (Epic) were used to compare MyChart patient portal activation rates and use among patients for the 8 months before and after patient navigation services were offered. Results Navigators offered 83% of eligible patients with activation assistance. Sixty-four percent of the patients (n=1062) offered MyChart enrollment assistance accepted help. Seventy-four percent of assisted patients with no prior MyChart enrollment activated their accounts during that clinic visit. The primary reason for declining MyChart assistance was a lack of access to or comfort with technology. Patient portal activation increased during the 8 months when navigators were at the clinics (51%) compared to the previous 8 months (44%). Most new users viewed lab results and read a message [χ2(1)=49.3, p<.001], with significant increases evident for African Americans [44% before, 49% during; χ2(1)=40.4, p<.001] and Latinx patients [52% before, 60% during; χ2(1)=6.15, p=.013]. Conclusion Study results suggest that using patient navigators is feasible and beneficial for increasing patient enrollment in the Federally Qualified Health Centers context. However, patient-, clinic-, and system-level factors were identified as barriers and should be addressed in future research studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Larisa A. Burke
- College of Nursing, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | - Geri Donenberg
- College of Medicine, The University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | | | - Jennifer Akufo
- College of Medicine, The University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | - Hope Opuada
- College of Medicine, The University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | - Damilola Oyaluade
- College of Medicine, The University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | | | - Hilda Diaz
- College of Medicine, The University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | - Darcy Dodd
- Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL
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So M, Makofane J, Hernandez M. "We want to be heard": A Qualitative Study of Mental Health Care Access among Patients of an Urban Federally Qualified Health Center. MENTAL HEALTH SCIENCE 2023; 1:261-269. [PMID: 38774821 PMCID: PMC11104551 DOI: 10.1002/mhs2.41] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2024]
Abstract
Introduction Although depression is common in primary care, challenges to timely intervention exist, particularly for communities of color and lower socioeconomic status. Our objective was to understand barriers and facilitators to mental healthcare access among a sample of patients receiving care at a federally qualified health center (FQHC) in Minnesota, United States. Methods We qualitatively interviewed 34 patients of an urban FQHC, purposively sampled on race/ethnicity, insurance status, language, and depression symptom status (based on Patient Health Questionnaire-9 responses). We inductively and deductively analyzed interview data, leveraging theory in both the codebook development and analysis processes. Results Participants, who were predominantly English-speaking, female, not privately insured, and people of color, shared numerous barriers and facilitators to accessing mental healthcare. Prominent barriers primarily concerned healthcare providers, including perceived dismissal of mental health concerns and challenges with provider continuity. Additional barriers included the costs of mental health care, communication breakdowns, the patient portal, and community-specific perceptions of mental health. Prominent facilitators included clinic organizational factors (internal and external) and staff friendliness and warmth. Other factors including consideration of patients' financial situation, integrated management of behavioral and physical health conditions, language concordant staff, the telehealth visit modality, and the clinic's social mission were also raised as facilitating access. Conclusion Patient voices from a single FQHC illustrate the challenges and possibilities of providing mental healthcare in safety net settings. Clinical, strategy, and policy solutions can be tailored to minimize barriers and optimize facilitators documented herein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marvin So
- University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN
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Gleason KT, Wu MMJ, Wec A, Powell DS, Zhang T, Gamper MJ, Green AR, Nothelle S, Amjad H, Wolff JL. Use of the patient portal among older adults with diagnosed dementia and their care partners. Alzheimers Dement 2023; 19:5663-5671. [PMID: 37354066 PMCID: PMC10808947 DOI: 10.1002/alz.13354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/26/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Care partners are at the forefront of dementia care, yet little is known about patient portal use in the context of dementia diagnosis. METHODS We conducted an observational cohort study of date/time-stamped patient portal use for a 5-year period (October 3, 2017-October 2, 2022) at an academic health system. The cohort consisted of 3170 patients ages 65+ with diagnosed dementia with 2+ visits within 24 months. Message authorship was determined by manual review of 970 threads involving 3065 messages for 279 patients. RESULTS Most (71.20%) older adults with diagnosed dementia were registered portal users but far fewer (10.41%) had a registered care partner with shared access. Care partners authored most (612/970, 63.09%) message threads, overwhelmingly using patient identity credentials (271/279, 97.13%). DISCUSSION The patient portal is used by persons with dementia and their care partners. Organizational efforts that facilitate shared access may benefit the support of persons with dementia and their care partners. Highlights Patient portal registration and use has been increasing among persons with diagnosed dementia. Two thirds of secure messages from portal accounts of patients with diagnosed dementia were identified as being authored by care partners, primarily using patient login credentials. Care partners who accessed the patient portal using their own identity credentials through shared access demonstrate similar levels of activity to patients without dementia. Organizational initiatives should recognize and support the needs of persons with dementia and their care partners by encouraging awareness, registration, and use of proper identity credentials, including shared, or proxy, portal access.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly T. Gleason
- Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Mingche M. J. Wu
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Aleksandra Wec
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Danielle S. Powell
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Talan Zhang
- Division of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Mary Jo Gamper
- Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Ariel R. Green
- Division of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Stephanie Nothelle
- Division of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Halima Amjad
- Division of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Jennifer L. Wolff
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Dukhanin V, Wolff JL, Salmi L, Harcourt K, Wachenheim D, Byock I, Gonzales MJ, Niehus D, Parshley M, Reay C, Epstein S, Mohile S, Farrell TW, Supiano MA, Jajodia A, DesRoches CM. Co-Designing an Initiative to Increase Shared Access to Older Adults' Patient Portals: Stakeholder Engagement. J Med Internet Res 2023; 25:e46146. [PMID: 37991827 PMCID: PMC10701652 DOI: 10.2196/46146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The patient portal is a widely available secure digital platform offered by care delivery organizations that enables patients to communicate electronically with clinicians and manage their care. Many organizations allow patients to authorize family members or friends-"care partners"-to share access to patient portal accounts, thus enabling care partners to receive their own identity credentials. Shared access facilitates trilateral information exchange among patients, clinicians, and care partners; however, uptake and awareness of this functionality are limited. OBJECTIVE We partnered with 3 health care organizations to co-design an initiative that aimed to increase shared access registration and use and that can be implemented using existing patient portals. METHODS In 2020, we undertook a rigorous selection process to identify 3 geographically diverse health care organizations that had engaged medical informatics teams and clinical champions within service delivery lines caring for older adults. We prioritized selecting organizations that serve racially and socioeconomically diverse populations and possess sophisticated reporting capabilities, a stable patient portal platform, a sufficient volume of older adult patients, and active patient and family advisory councils. Along with patients and care partners, clinicians, staff, and other stakeholders, the study team co-designed an initiative to increase the uptake of shared access guided by either an iterative, human-centered design process or rapid assessment procedures of stakeholders' inputs. RESULTS Between February 2020 and April 2022, 73 stakeholder engagements were conducted with patients and care partners, clinicians and clinic staff, medical informatics teams, marketing and communications staff, and administrators, as well as with funders and thought leaders. We collected insights regarding (1) barriers to awareness, registration, and use of shared access; (2) features of consumer-facing educational materials to address identified barriers; (3) features of clinician- and staff-facing materials to address identified barriers; and (4) approaches to fit the initiative into current workflows. Using these inputs iteratively via a human-centered design process, we produced brochures and posters, co-designed organization-specific web pages detailing shared access registration processes, and developed clinician and staff talking points about shared access and staff tip sheets that outline shared access registration steps. Educational materials emphasized the slogan "People remember less than half of what their doctors say," which was selected from 9 candidate alternatives as resonating best with the full range of the initiative's stakeholders. The materials were accompanied by implementation toolkits specifying and reinforcing workflows involving both in-person and telehealth visits. CONCLUSIONS Meaningful and authentic stakeholder engagement allowed our deliberate, iterative, and human-centered co-design aimed at increasing the use of shared access. Our initiative has been launched as a part of a 12-month demonstration that will include quantitative and qualitative analysis of registration and use of shared access. Educational materials are publicly available at Coalition for Care Partners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vadim Dukhanin
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Jennifer L Wolff
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Liz Salmi
- OpenNotes, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Kendall Harcourt
- OpenNotes, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Deborah Wachenheim
- OpenNotes, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Ira Byock
- The Institute for Human Caring at Providence, Gardena, CA, United States
| | - Matthew J Gonzales
- The Institute for Human Caring at Providence, Gardena, CA, United States
| | - Doug Niehus
- Providence Medical Group, Portland, OR, United States
| | | | - Caroline Reay
- Providence Medical Group, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Sara Epstein
- The Institute for Human Caring at Providence, Gardena, CA, United States
| | - Supriya Mohile
- Wilmot Cancer Institute, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Timothy W Farrell
- Division of Geriatrics, Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine and the Center on Aging, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
- Salt Lake City Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Mark A Supiano
- Division of Geriatrics, Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine and the Center on Aging, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Anushka Jajodia
- School of Nursing, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Catherine M DesRoches
- OpenNotes, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
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Richwine C. Progress and Persistent Disparities in Patient Access to Electronic Health Information. JAMA HEALTH FORUM 2023; 4:e233883. [PMID: 37948063 PMCID: PMC10638642 DOI: 10.1001/jamahealthforum.2023.3883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Importance Patient access to electronic health information (EHI) available via online medical records and through patient portals has been shown to help individuals make informed health decisions, which are associated with better health outcomes. Objective To assess progress in patient engagement with EHI and to identify racial or ethnic disparities in access to patient portals. Design, Setting, and Participants This was a repeated cross-sectional study using data from the US Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS), a nationally representative survey of US adults that tracks individuals' access and use of their health information. Six cycles of HINTS were included (2014, 2017-2020, 2022); data for the disparities analysis came from the 2022 HINTS. Data analyses were performed in April 2023. Main Outcomes and Measures Patient reports of (1) being offered portal access by a health care provider (HCP); (2) being encouraged by the HCP to use the portal; (3) accessing their portal; and (4) using the portal for various purposes. Additional key measures included methods used to access portals and self-reported ease of understanding information contained in the online medical records or portals. Results The total study population included 22 266 individuals (mean [SE] age, 49.9 [0.15] years) of whom 13 348 (54%) were female; 909 (5%) self-identified as Asian, 3523 (12%) as Black, 3178 (14%) as Hispanic, 13 555 (66%) as White, and 785 (3%) as another or more than 1 race. Nationally, patient portal access increased each year from 2014 through 2022, with a 46% increase observed between 2020 (n = 3319) and 2022 (n = 5437). However, in 2022, Black and Hispanic individuals reported being offered access to a portal by their HCP at significantly lower rates compared with White individuals (73% vs 81%; χ21 = 22.24; P < .001; and 62% vs 81%; χ21 = 135.57; P < .001, respectively) as well as accessing a patient portal at lower rates (60% vs 70%; χ21 = 23.80; P < .001; and 57% vs 70%; χ21 = 49.02; P < .001, respectively). Conclusions and Relevance The findings of this repeated cross-sectional study of US adult respondents to the HINTS suggest that access to and engagement with patient portals increased significantly from 2014 through 2022, but racial and ethnic disparities in patient access persisted in 2022. However, there were no significant differences in use or understanding of information available in the online medical records among those who accessed them, which suggests that efforts to promote equitable opportunities to access EHI would likely be associated with increased patient access.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chelsea Richwine
- Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology, Washington, DC
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Lazaro G. When Positive is Negative: Health Literacy Barriers to Patient Access to Clinical Laboratory Test Results. J Appl Lab Med 2023; 8:1133-1147. [PMID: 37681277 PMCID: PMC10756206 DOI: 10.1093/jalm/jfad045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Health literacy is a multidimensional set of skills (e.g., narrative, numeracy, digital, medication) that patients need to access and understand health information timely and accurately to make evidence-based informed decisions. CONTENT Multiple barriers prevent patients from effectively interacting with health information. The most salient barriers are poor overall health literacy skills and linguistic proficiency in English. As patients prefer direct access to laboratory test results, especially those of routine tests, contextualization and provider-directed interpretation of results are required to foster shared decision-making to address their healthcare issues and improve health outcomes. SUMMARY The use of systematic approaches that account for poor health literacy skills and include culturally and linguistically appropriate planning and availability of resources is warranted at individual and population health levels (e.g., human-centered design of patient portals).
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerardo Lazaro
- Division of Laboratory Systems, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
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Petrovskaya O, Karpman A, Schilling J, Singh S, Wegren L, Caine V, Kusi-Appiah E, Geen W. Patient and Health Care Provider Perspectives on Patient Access to Test Results via Web Portals: Scoping Review. J Med Internet Res 2023; 25:e43765. [PMID: 37856174 PMCID: PMC10623227 DOI: 10.2196/43765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A frequently used feature of electronic patient portals is the viewing of test results. Research on patient portals is abundant and offers evidence to help portal implementers make policy and practice decisions. In contrast, no comparable comprehensive summary of research addresses the direct release of and patient access to test results. OBJECTIVE This scoping review aims to analyze and synthesize published research focused on patient and health care provider perspectives on the direct release of laboratory, imaging, and radiology results to patients via web portals. METHODS PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines were followed. Searches were conducted in CINAHL, MEDLINE, and other databases. Citations were screened in Covidence using the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Primary studies that focused on patient and health care provider perspectives on patient access to laboratory and imaging results via web portals were included. An updated search was conducted up to August 2023. Our review included 27 articles-20 examining patient views, 3 examining provider views, and 4 examining both patient and provider views. Data extraction and inductive data analysis were informed by sensitizing concepts from sociomaterial perspectives, and 15 themes were generated. RESULTS Patient perspectives (24 papers) were synthesized using nine themes: (1) patterns of use and patient characteristics; (2) emotional response when viewing the results and uncertainty about their implications; (3) understanding test results; (4) preferences for mode and timing of result release; (5). information seeking and patients' actions motivated by viewing results via a portal; (6) contemplating changes in behavior and managing own health; (7) benefits of accessing test results via a portal; (8) limitations of accessing test results via a portal; and (9) suggestions for portal improvement. Health care provider perspectives (7 papers) were synthetized into six themes: (1) providers' view of benefits of patient access to results via the portal; (2) effects on health care provider workload; (3) concerns about patient anxiety; (4) timing of result release into the patient portal; (5) the method of result release into the patient portal: manual versus automatic release; and (6) the effects of hospital health information technology system on patient quality outcomes. CONCLUSIONS The timing of the release of test results emerged as a particularly important topic. In some countries, the policy context may motivate immediate release of most tests directly into patient portals. However, our findings aim to make policy makers, health administrators, and other stakeholders aware of factors to consider when making decisions about the timing of result release. This review is sensitive to the characteristics of patient populations and portal technology and can inform result release framework policies. The findings are timely, as patient portals have become more common internationally.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Albina Karpman
- Faculty of Nursing, MacEwan University, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | | | - Simran Singh
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Larissa Wegren
- South Health Campus, Women's Health, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Vera Caine
- School of Nursing, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | | | - Willow Geen
- School of Nursing, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
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Ahmed N, Sanghavi K, Mathur S, McCullers A. Patient portal use: Persistent disparities from pre- to post-onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Int J Med Inform 2023; 178:105204. [PMID: 37666013 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmedinf.2023.105204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The primary objective of this study was to examine patient portal usage from pre- to post-onset of the COVID-19 pandemic to determine what impact the pandemic had on portal usage by patient sub-populations. The second study objective was to assess differences in portal usage by chronic disorders from pre- to post-onset of the pandemic. METHODS Patient portal data were extracted and analyzed from a non-profit healthcare system in the Mid-Atlantic region. A total of 153,628 unique patients with patient portal account were included in this study. We assessed patient portal usage from pre-onset (March 2019-February 2020) to post-onset of the COVID-19 pandemic (March 2020-February 2021). We examined usage by patient sub-populations (age, sex, race, ethnicity), comorbid conditions, and health insurance type. RESULTS Differences were seen in specific patient portal actions. Increases were seen in immunization views (0.43, 95% CI: 0.39, 0.46) and health record views (0.43, 95% CI: 0.40, 0.46) from post-onset compared to pre-onset. A decrease was noted in prescription renewal (medication) views (-0.07, 95% CI -0.09, -0.05) from pre- to post-onset There was a decrease in both immunization views and health record views among Black patients (-0.07, 95% CI: -0.11, -0.03) in comparison to White patients, but an increase in prescription renewal (medication) views (0.07, 95%CI 0.04, 0.09) amongst Black patients compared to White patients. CONCLUSIONS Patient portals are integral to patient care, allowing patients to actively engage in their care and communicate with their healthcare team about ongoing health needs. However, prior disparities in patient portal access have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and solutions to address these disparities are urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naheed Ahmed
- NYU Grossman School of Medicine, 180 Madison Avenue, Eighth Floor, New York, NY 10016, United States.
| | | | - Shrey Mathur
- MedStar Health Research Institute, United States.
| | - Asli McCullers
- MedStar Center for Health Equity Research, United States.
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Gleason KT, Powell DS, Wec A, Zou X, Gamper MJ, Peereboom D, Wolff JL. Patient portal interventions: a scoping review of functionality, automation used, and therapeutic elements of patient portal interventions. JAMIA Open 2023; 6:ooad077. [PMID: 37663406 PMCID: PMC10469545 DOI: 10.1093/jamiaopen/ooad077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives We sought to understand the objectives, targeted populations, therapeutic elements, and delivery characteristics of patient portal interventions. Materials and Methods Following Arksey and O-Malley's methodological framework, we conducted a scoping review of manuscripts published through June 2022 by hand and systematically searching PubMed, PSYCHInfo, Embase, and Web of Science. The search yielded 5403 manuscripts; 248 were selected for full-text review; 81 met the eligibility criteria for examining outcomes of a patient portal intervention. Results The 81 articles described: trials involving comparison groups (n = 37; 45.7%), quality improvement initiatives (n = 15; 18.5%), pilot studies (n = 7; 8.6%), and single-arm studies (n = 22; 27.2%). Studies were conducted in primary care (n = 33, 40.7%), specialty outpatient (n = 24, 29.6%), or inpatient settings (n = 4, 4.9%)-or they were deployed system wide (n = 9, 11.1%). Interventions targeted specific health conditions (n = 35, 43.2%), promoted preventive services (n = 19, 23.5%), or addressed communication (n = 19, 23.4%); few specifically sought to improve the patient experience (n = 3, 3.7%). About half of the studies (n = 40, 49.4%) relied on human involvement, and about half involved personalized (vs exclusively standardized) elements (n = 42, 51.8%). Interventions commonly collected patient-reported information (n = 36, 44.4%), provided education (n = 35, 43.2%), or deployed preventive service reminders (n = 14, 17.3%). Discussion This scoping review finds that most patient portal interventions have delivered education or facilitated collection of patient-reported information. Few interventions have involved pragmatic designs or been deployed system wide. Conclusion The patient portal is an important tool in real-world efforts to more effectively support patients, but interventions to date rely largely on evidence from consented participants rather than pragmatically implemented systems-level initiatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly T Gleason
- Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, Baltimore, MD 21225, United States
| | - Danielle S Powell
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, United States
| | - Aleksandra Wec
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, United States
| | - Xingyuan Zou
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, United States
| | - Mary Jo Gamper
- Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, Baltimore, MD 21225, United States
| | - Danielle Peereboom
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, United States
| | - Jennifer L Wolff
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, United States
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Zachrison KS, Yan Z, Sequist T, Licurse A, Tan-McGrory A, Erskine A, Schwamm LH. Patient characteristics associated with the successful transition to virtual care: Lessons learned from the first million patients. J Telemed Telecare 2023; 29:621-631. [PMID: 34120506 DOI: 10.1177/1357633x211015547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The increased use of telehealth to maintain ambulatory care during the COVID-19 pandemic had potential to exacerbate or diminish disparities in access to care. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to describe patient characteristics associated with successful transition from in-person to virtual care, and video vs audio-only participation. METHODS This was a retrospective analysis of electronic health record data from all patients with ambulatory visits from 1 October 2019-30 September 2020 in a large integrated health system in the Northeast USA. The outcome of interest was receipt of virtual care, and video vs audio-only participation. We matched home addresses with census-tract level area social vulnerability index (SVI) and Internet access. Among ambulatory care patients, we used logistic regression to identify characteristics associated with virtual participation. Among virtual participants, we identified characteristics associated with video vs audio-only visits. RESULTS Among 1,241,313 patients, 528,542 (42.6%) were virtual participants. Relative to in-person only, virtual participants were older, more often English-proficient and with activated patient portal. Characteristics associated with virtual participation included patients with: only behavioural health visits, COVID patients, highest quartile of visit frequency, and multiple visit types. Characteristics associated with video participation (relative to audio-only) included being younger and patients with: only behavioural health visits, highest quartile of visit frequency, non-Hispanic black race, limited English proficiency and inactivated portal account. DISCUSSION In our regional healthcare system, the transition to virtual care during COVID was vital for continued access to care, but substantial inequity remained. Without audio-only visits, access to care would have been even more limited for our most vulnerable patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kori S Zachrison
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, USA
| | - Zhiyu Yan
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, USA
| | | | - Adam Licurse
- Mass General Brigham, USA
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, USA
| | | | | | - Lee H Schwamm
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, USA
- Mass General Brigham, USA
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DeBolt CL, Popovich JJ, Widere JC, Wibberly KH, Harris D. Rurality as a Risk Factor for Pulmonary Health Disparities. Clin Chest Med 2023; 44:501-508. [PMID: 37517830 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccm.2023.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
Rural populations experience significant pulmonary health disparities compared with urban populations. Patients in rural communities experience health determinants including high smoking prevalence, worse nutrition, lower educational attainment, specific occupational exposures, decreased health-care access, as well as unique cultural and political drivers of health. This article describes social determinants of pulmonary health relevant in rural communities, describes examples of existing pulmonary disparities in rural populations, and highlights health policies with potential to mitigate disparities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - John J Popovich
- Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - J Christian Widere
- Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Katharine Hsu Wibberly
- Mid-Atlantic Telehealth Resource Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Drew Harris
- Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
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Verweel L, Newman A, Michaelchuk W, Packham T, Goldstein R, Brooks D. The effect of digital interventions on related health literacy and skills for individuals living with chronic diseases: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Int J Med Inform 2023; 177:105114. [PMID: 37329765 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmedinf.2023.105114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 05/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic diseases are a leading cause of death and disease burden globally. Digital interventions could be an approach to improve patients' ability to find, evaluate, and use health information. OBJECTIVES The main objective was to conduct a systematic review to determine the effect of digital interventions on digital health literacy for patients living with chronic disease. Secondary objectives were to provide an overviewof the design and delivery characteristics of interventions that impact digital health literacy in people with chronic disease. METHODS Randomized controlled trials examining digital health literacy (and related components) for individuals with cardiovascular disease, chronic lung disease, osteoarthritis, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and HIV were identified. This review was conducted following the PRIMSA guidelines. Certainty was assessed using GRADE and the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Meta-analyses were conducted using Review Manager 5.1. The protocol was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42022375967). RESULTS 9386 articles were identified and 17 articles representing 16 unique trials were included. Studies evaluated 5138 individuals with one or more chronic conditions (50% women, ages 42 ± 7-71 ± 12 years). The most targeted conditions were cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and HIV. Interventions included: skills training, websites, electronic personal health records, remote patient monitoring, and education. The effects of the interventions were related to: (i) digital health literacy, (ii) health literacy, (iii) health information skills, (iv) technology skills and access, and (v) self-management and participation in care. A meta-analysis of three studies identified the effect of digital interventions was better than usual care for eHealth literacy (1.22 [CI 0.55, 1.89], p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS The evidence of the effects of digital interventions on related health literacy is limited. Existing studies reflect the heterogeneity in study design, population, and outcome measures. There is a need for further studies on the effects of digital interventions on related health literacy for individuals with chronic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Verweel
- School of Rehabilitation Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada; West Park Healthcare Centre, Toronto, Canada.
| | - A Newman
- School of Rehabilitation Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada; West Park Healthcare Centre, Toronto, Canada
| | - W Michaelchuk
- West Park Healthcare Centre, Toronto, Canada; Department of Physical Therapy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - T Packham
- School of Rehabilitation Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - R Goldstein
- West Park Healthcare Centre, Toronto, Canada; Department of Physical Therapy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - D Brooks
- School of Rehabilitation Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada; West Park Healthcare Centre, Toronto, Canada
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Reynolds TL, Cobb JG, Steitz BD, Ancker JS, Rosenbloom ST. The State-of-the-Art of Patient Portals: Adapting to External Factors, Addressing Barriers, and Innovating. Appl Clin Inform 2023; 14:654-669. [PMID: 37611795 PMCID: PMC10446914 DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1770901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Recent external factors-the 21st Century Cures Act and the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic-have stimulated major changes in the patient portal landscape. The objective of this state-of-the-art review is to describe recent developments in the patient portal literature and to identify recommendations and future directions for the design, implementation, and evaluation of portals. METHODS To focus this review on salient contemporary issues, we elected to center it on four topics: (1) 21st Century Cures Act's impact on patient portals (e.g., Open Notes); (2) COVID-19's pandemic impact on portals; (3) proxy access to portals; and (4) disparities in portal adoption and use. We conducted targeted PubMed searches to identify recent empirical studies addressing these topics, used a two-part screening process to determine relevance, and conducted thematic analyses. RESULTS Our search identified 174 unique papers, 74 were relevant empirical studies and included in this review. Among these papers, we identified 10 themes within our four a priori topics, including preparing for and understanding the consequences of increased patient access to their electronic health information (Cures Act); developing, deploying, and evaluating new virtual care processes (COVID-19); understanding current barriers to formal proxy use (proxy access); and addressing disparities in portal adoption and use (disparities). CONCLUSION Our results suggest that the recent trends toward understanding the implications of immediate access to most test results, exploring ways to close gaps in portal adoption and use among different sub-populations, and finding ways to leverage portals to improve health and health care are the next steps in the maturation of patient portals and are key areas that require more research. It is important that health care organizations share their innovative portal efforts, so that successful measures can be tested in other contexts, and progress can continue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tera L. Reynolds
- Department of Information Systems, University of Maryland, Baltimore County, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
| | - Jared Guthrie Cobb
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
| | - Bryan D. Steitz
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
| | - Jessica S. Ancker
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
| | - S. Trent Rosenbloom
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
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Tudor HL, Ingram R, Wackerbarth S. Patient Engagement in Patient Portals in Appalachia v. Surrounding U.S. Census Regions: An Analysis of HINTS (Health Information National Trends Survey) Data, 2017-2020. JOURNAL OF APPALACHIAN HEALTH 2023; 5:50-65. [PMID: 38022493 PMCID: PMC10629882 DOI: 10.13023/jah.0502.05] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Introduction Those living in the Appalachian Region face a greater number of significant health disparities than residents of other areas of the U.S. Patient portals can decrease disparities, increase health literacy, and improve health outcomes. Purpose This study explores if those living in the Appalachian Region are offered access to and use their patient portals differently than those in the surrounding U.S. Census regions. Additionally, the study aims to determine if there was a difference in reported reasons for the non-use of patient portals. Methods A secondary analysis was completed using data from the National Cancer Institute's Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS) (2017-2020), a nationally representative survey. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were used to determine differences in patient portal use between regions. Results There was no statistically significant difference between the Appalachian and surrounding U.S. Census regions in being offered access to patient portals. However, there was a statistically significant difference (non-weighted) between regions in the use of patient portals. Common reasons for the non-use of patient portals were a preference to speak directly to the provider and the lack of perceived need to use the portal. Implications Providers in the Appalachian Region should be aware of the non-use of patient portals. Moreover, understanding the reported reasons for non-use may help providers tailor educational materials to increase patient portal use.
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Plombon S, S. Rudin R, Sulca Flores J, Goolkasian G, Sousa J, Rodriguez J, Lipsitz S, Foer D, K. Dalal A. Assessing Equitable Recruitment in a Digital Health Trial for Asthma. Appl Clin Inform 2023; 14:620-631. [PMID: 37164328 PMCID: PMC10412068 DOI: 10.1055/a-2090-5745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to assess a multipronged strategy using primarily digital methods to equitably recruit asthma patients into a clinical trial of a digital health intervention. METHODS We approached eligible patients using at least one of eight recruitment strategies. We recorded approach dates and the strategy that led to completion of a web-based eligibility questionnaire that was reported during the verbal consent phone call. Study team members conducted monthly sessions using a structured guide to identify recruitment barriers and facilitators. The proportion of participants who reported being recruited by a portal or nonportal strategy was measured as our outcomes. We used Fisher's exact test to compare outcomes by equity variable, and multivariable logistic regression to control for each covariate and adjust effect size estimates. Using grounded theory, we coded and extracted themes regarding recruitment barriers and facilitators. RESULTS The majority (84.4%) of patients who met study inclusion criteria were patient portal enrollees. Of 6,366 eligible patients who were approached, 627 completed the eligibility questionnaire and were less frequently Hispanic, less frequently Spanish-speaking, and more frequently patient portal enrollees. Of 445 patients who consented to participate, 241 (54.2%) reported completing the eligibility questionnaire after being contacted by a patient portal message. In adjusted analysis, only race (odds ratio [OR]: 0.46, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.28-0.77, p = 0.003) and college education (OR: 0.60, 95% CI: 0.39-0.91, p = 0.016) remained significant. Key recruitment barriers included technology issues (e.g., lack of email access) and facilitators included bilingual study staff, Spanish-language recruitment materials, targeted phone calls, and clinician-initiated "1-click" referrals. CONCLUSION A primarily digital strategy to recruit patients into a digital health trial is unlikely to achieve equitable participation, even in a population overrepresented by patient portal enrollees. Nondigital recruitment methods that address racial and educational disparities and less active portal enrollees are necessary to ensure equity in clinical trial enrollment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Savanna Plombon
- Division of General Internal Medicine Primary Care, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Robert S. Rudin
- Healthcare Division, RAND Corporation, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Jorge Sulca Flores
- Division of General Internal Medicine Primary Care, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Gillian Goolkasian
- Division of General Internal Medicine Primary Care, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Jessica Sousa
- Healthcare Division, RAND Corporation, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Jorge Rodriguez
- Division of General Internal Medicine Primary Care, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Stuart Lipsitz
- Division of General Internal Medicine Primary Care, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Dinah Foer
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
- Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Anuj K. Dalal
- Division of General Internal Medicine Primary Care, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
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Brean SJ, Recoche K, William L, Lakhani A, Zhong Y, Shimoinaba K. Advance care plans for vulnerable and disadvantaged adults: systematic review and narrative synthesis. BMJ Support Palliat Care 2023:spcare-2023-004162. [PMID: 37380215 DOI: 10.1136/spcare-2023-004162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evidence suggests that there is a gap in advance care planning (ACP) completion between vulnerable and disadvantaged populations compared with the general population. This review seeks to identify tools, guidelines or frameworks that have been used to support ACP interventions with vulnerable and disadvantaged adult populations as well as their experiences and outcomes with them. The findings will inform practice in ACP programmes. METHODS A systematic search of six databases from 1 January 2010 to 30 March 2022 was conducted to identify original peer-reviewed research that used ACP interventions via tools, guidelines or frameworks with vulnerable and disadvantaged adult populations and reported qualitative findings. A narrative synthesis was conducted. RESULTS Eighteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Relatives, caregivers or substitute decision-makers were included in eight studies. SETTINGS hospital outpatient clinics (N=7), community settings (N=7), nursing homes (N=2), prison (N=1) and hospital (N=1). A variety of ACP tools, guidelines or frameworks were identified; however, the facilitator's skills and approach in delivering the intervention appeared to be as important as the intervention itself. Participants indicated mixed experiences, some positive, some negative and four themes emerged: uncertainty, trust, culture and decision-making behaviour. The most common descriptors relating to these themes were prognosis uncertainty, poor end-of-life communication and the importance of building trust. CONCLUSION The findings indicate that ACP communication could be improved. ACP conversations should incorporate a holistic and personalised approach to optimise efficacy. Facilitators should be equipped with the necessary skills, tools and information needed to assist ACP decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Jane Brean
- Advance Care Planning, Eastern Health, Wantirna, Victoria, Australia
- Monash University, School of Nursing and Midwifery Peninsula Campus, Frankston, Victoria, Australia
| | - Katrina Recoche
- Monash University, School of Nursing and Midwifery Peninsula Campus, Frankston, Victoria, Australia
| | - Leeroy William
- Supportive and Palliative Care Service, Eastern Health, Wantirna, Victoria, Australia
- Monash University, Eastern Health Clinical School, Box Hill, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ali Lakhani
- La Trobe University, School of Psychology and Public Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Yaping Zhong
- Monash University, School of Nursing and Midwifery Peninsula Campus, Frankston, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kaori Shimoinaba
- Monash University, School of Nursing and Midwifery Peninsula Campus, Frankston, Victoria, Australia
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Arakawa Y, Haseda M, Inoue K, Nishioka D, Kino S, Nishi D, Hashimoto H, Kondo N. Effectiveness of mHealth consultation services for preventing postpartum depressive symptoms: a randomized clinical trial. BMC Med 2023; 21:221. [PMID: 37365535 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-023-02918-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although many conventional healthcare services to prevent postpartum depression are provided face-to-face, physical and psychosocial barriers remain. These barriers may be overcome by using mobile health services (mHealth). To examine the effectiveness of mHealth professional consultation services in preventing postpartum depressive symptoms in real-world settings, we conducted this randomized controlled trial in Japan, where universal free face-to-face perinatal care is available. METHODS This study included 734 pregnant women living in Yokohama city who could communicate in Japanese, recruited at public offices and childcare support facilities. The participants were randomized to the mHealth group (intervention, n = 365), where they could use a free app-based mHealth consultation service with gynecologists/obstetricians, pediatricians, and midwives whenever and as many times as they wanted between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. on weekdays throughout their pregnancy and postpartum periods (funded by the City of Yokohama government) or the usual care group (control, n = 369). The primary outcome was the risk of elevated postpartum depressive symptoms, defined as Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale score ≥ 9. Secondary outcomes were self-efficacy, loneliness, perceived barriers to healthcare access, number of clinic visits, and ambulance usage. All outcomes were collected three months post-delivery. We also conducted subgroup analyses assessing the differences in the treatment effect by sociodemographic status. RESULTS Most women completed all questionnaires (n = 639 of 734, response rate: 87%). The mean baseline age was 32.9 ± 4.2 years, and 62% were primipara. Three months post-delivery, women in the mHealth group had a lower risk of elevated postpartum depressive symptoms (47/310 [15.2%]) compared to the usual care group (75/329 [22.8%], risk ratio: 0.67 [95% confidence interval: 0.48-0.93]). Compared with the usual care group, women in the mHealth group had higher self-efficacy, less loneliness, and fewer perceived barriers to healthcare access. No differences were observed in the frequency of clinic visits or ambulance usage. Furthermore, in the subgroup analyses, we did not find differences in the treatment effect by sociodemographic status. CONCLUSIONS Local government-funded mHealth consultation services have a preventive effect on postpartum depressive symptoms, removing physical and psychological barriers to healthcare access in real-world settings. TRIAL REGISTRATION UMIN-CTR identifier: UMIN000041611. Registered 31 August 2021.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Arakawa
- Department of Health and Social Behavior, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Social Epidemiology, Graduate School of Medicine and School of Public Health, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Maho Haseda
- Department of Social Epidemiology, Graduate School of Medicine and School of Public Health, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Kosuke Inoue
- Department of Social Epidemiology, Graduate School of Medicine and School of Public Health, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Daisuke Nishioka
- Department of Social Epidemiology, Graduate School of Medicine and School of Public Health, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
- Department of Medical Statistics, Research & Development Center, Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Shiho Kino
- Department of Oral Health Promotion, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Daisuke Nishi
- Department of Mental Health, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hideki Hashimoto
- Department of Health and Social Behavior, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Naoki Kondo
- Department of Social Epidemiology, Graduate School of Medicine and School of Public Health, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan.
- Institute for Future Initiatives, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
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Louissaint J, Wilder JM, Tapper EB, Rodriguez JA, Rosenblatt R, Verna EC. Confronting Disparities in Telehepatology Research. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 21:1385-1389. [PMID: 36563767 DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2022.11.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy Louissaint
- Center for Liver Disease and Transplantation, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Julius M Wilder
- Division of Gastroenterology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina; Duke Clinical Research Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Elliot B Tapper
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Jorge A Rodriguez
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Russell Rosenblatt
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Elizabeth C Verna
- Center for Liver Disease and Transplantation, Columbia University, New York, New York
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DeCamp LR, Williams L, Palmer C, Gorman C, Olson C, Thompson DA. Mixed methods evaluation of pediatric telehealth equity for patients/families who communicate in languages other than English. Mhealth 2023; 9:24. [PMID: 37492119 PMCID: PMC10364007 DOI: 10.21037/mhealth-22-43] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Emerging research demonstrates telehealth disparities for patients who communicate in languages other than English. A better understanding of pediatric telehealth use with families who communicate in languages other than English is needed to inform interventions to promote telehealth equity. Methods We conducted a mixed methods study of telehealth care in a children's hospital health system using electronic health record data for outpatient video telehealth encounters from April 2020 to July 2021 and qualitative interviews with clinical staff and Spanish-speaking parents of telehealth patients. Results The 16-month study period included 102,387 telehealth encounters; 5% of which were encounters in languages other than English. 83% of languages other than English encounters were with patients/families with a preferred healthcare language of Spanish. 11% of providers conducted ≥10 languages other than English telehealth encounters. This subset of providers conducted 71% of all languages other than English encounters. We conducted 25 interviews with clinical staff (n=13) and parents (n=12). Common themes identified across interviews were: (I) technology barriers affect access to and quality of telehealth; (II) clinical staff and parents are uncertain about the future role of telehealth for patients/families who communicate in languages other than English; (III) the well-known impact of language barriers on in-person healthcare access and quality for patients who communicate in languages other than English is also evident in telehealth. Conclusions Patients who communicate in languages other than English were underrepresented among telehealth encounters and encounters were concentrated among few providers. Promoting equitable telehealth care requires investment to address technology barriers, increase the readiness of providers and clinics to provide telehealth care in languages other than English, and continued attention to reducing the healthcare impact of language barriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Ross DeCamp
- Children’s Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
- Adult and Child Center for Outcomes Research and Delivery Science, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Leah Williams
- Children’s Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Claire Palmer
- Children’s Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Carol Gorman
- Adult and Child Center for Outcomes Research and Delivery Science, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Christina Olson
- Children’s Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Darcy A. Thompson
- Children’s Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
- Adult and Child Center for Outcomes Research and Delivery Science, Aurora, CO, USA
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Rabinowitz G, Cho LD, Benda NC, Goytia C, Andreadis K, Lin JJ, Horowitz C, Kaushal R, Ancker JS, Poeran J. The Telemedicine Experience in Primary Care Practices in the United States: Insights From Practice Leaders. Ann Fam Med 2023; 21:207-212. [PMID: 37217324 PMCID: PMC10202513 DOI: 10.1370/afm.2967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The need to rapidly implement telemedicine in primary care during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic was addressed differently by various practices. Using qualitative data from semistructured interviews with primary care practice leaders, we aimed to report commonly shared experiences and unique perspectives regarding telemedicine implementation and evolution/maturation since March 2020. METHODS We administered a semistructured, 25-minute, virtual interview with 25 primary care practice leaders from 2 health systems in 2 states (New York and Florida) included in PCORnet, the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute clinical research network. Questions were guided by 3 frameworks (health information technology evaluation, access to care, and health information technology life cycle) and involved practice leaders' perspectives on the process of telemedicine implementation in their practice, with a specific focus on the process of maturation and facilitators/barriers. Two researchers conducted inductive coding of qualitative data open-ended questions to identify common themes. Transcripts were electronically generated by virtual platform software. RESULTS Twenty-five interviews were administered for practice leaders representing 87 primary care practices in 2 states. We identified the following 4 major themes: (1) the ease of telemedicine adoption depended on both patients' and clinicians' prior experience using virtual health platforms, (2) regulation of telemedicine varied across states and differentially affected the rollout processes, (3) visit triage rules were unclear, and (4) there were positive and negative effects of telemedicine on clinicians and patients. CONCLUSIONS Practice leaders identified several challenges to telemedicine implementation and highlighted 2 areas, including telemedicine visit triage guidelines and telemedicine-specific staffing and scheduling protocols, for improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace Rabinowitz
- Department of Medical Education, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Logan D Cho
- Department of Medical Education, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Natalie C Benda
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York
| | - Crispin Goytia
- Department of Population Health Science & Policy, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Katerina Andreadis
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York
| | - Jenny J Lin
- Department of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Carol Horowitz
- Department of Population Health Science & Policy, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Rainu Kaushal
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York
| | - Jessica S Ancker
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Jashvant Poeran
- Department of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
- Institute for Healthcare Delivery Science, Department of Population Health Science & Policy, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
- Department of Orthopedics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
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Rodriguez JA, Charles JP, Bates DW, Lyles C, Southworth B, Samal L. Digital healthcare equity in primary care: implementing an integrated digital health navigator. J Am Med Inform Assoc 2023; 30:965-970. [PMID: 36795062 PMCID: PMC10114024 DOI: 10.1093/jamia/ocad015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The 21st Century Cures Act and the rise of telemedicine led to renewed focus on patient portals. However, portal use disparities persist and are in part driven by limited digital literacy. To address digital disparities in primary care, we implemented an integrated digital health navigator program supporting portal use among patients with type II diabetes. During our pilot, we were able to enroll 121 (30.9%) patients onto the portal. Of newly enrolled or trained patients, 75 (62.0%) were Black, 13 (10.7%) were White, 23 (19.0%) were Hispanic/Latinx, 4 (3.3%) were Asian, 3 (2.5%) were of another race or ethnicity, and 3 (2.5%) had missing data. Our overall portal enrollment for clinic patients with type II diabetes increased for Hispanic/Latinx patients from 30% to 42% and Black patients from 49% to 61%. We used the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research to understand key implementation components. Using our approach, other clinics can implement an integrated digital health navigator to support patient portal use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Alberto Rodriguez
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Primary Care, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jean-Pierre Charles
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Primary Care, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - David W Bates
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Primary Care, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Courtney Lyles
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
- UCSF Center for Vulnerable Populations, Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, San Francisco, California, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Bonnie Southworth
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Primary Care, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Lipika Samal
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Primary Care, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Kardashian A, Serper M, Terrault N, Nephew LD. Health disparities in chronic liver disease. Hepatology 2023; 77:1382-1403. [PMID: 35993341 PMCID: PMC10026975 DOI: 10.1002/hep.32743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 46.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The syndemic of hazardous alcohol consumption, opioid use, and obesity has led to important changes in liver disease epidemiology that have exacerbated health disparities. Health disparities occur when plausibly avoidable health differences are experienced by socially disadvantaged populations. Highlighting health disparities, their sources, and consequences in chronic liver disease is fundamental to improving liver health outcomes. There have been large increases in alcohol use disorder in women, racial and ethnic minorities, and those experiencing poverty in the context of poor access to alcohol treatment, leading to increasing rates of alcohol-associated liver diseases. Rising rates of NAFLD and associated fibrosis have been observed in Hispanic persons, women aged > 50, and individuals experiencing food insecurity. Access to viral hepatitis screening and linkage to treatment are suboptimal for racial and ethnic minorities and individuals who are uninsured or underinsured, resulting in greater liver-related mortality and later-stage diagnoses of HCC. Data from more diverse cohorts on autoimmune and cholestatic liver diseases are lacking, supporting the need to study the contemporary epidemiology of these disorders in greater detail. Herein, we review the existing literature on racial and ethnic, gender, and socioeconomic disparities in chronic liver diseases using a social determinants of health framework to better understand how social and structural factors cause health disparities and affect chronic liver disease outcomes. We also propose potential solutions to eliminate disparities, outlining health-policy, health-system, community, and individual solutions to promote equity and improve health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ani Kardashian
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Marina Serper
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Norah Terrault
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Lauren D. Nephew
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
- Indiana University Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
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Leung T, Eysenbach G, Brown TJ, Jopling H, Stevenson F, Lynch J. Contextual Factors That Impact the Implementation of Patient Portals With a Focus on Older People in Acute Care Hospitals: Scoping Review. JMIR Aging 2023; 6:e31812. [PMID: 36735321 PMCID: PMC9938437 DOI: 10.2196/31812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/07/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Older people are the highest users of health services but are less likely to use a patient portal than younger people. OBJECTIVE This scoping review aimed to identify and synthesize the literature on contextual factors that impact the implementation of patient portals in acute care hospitals and among older people. METHODS A scoping review was conducted according to the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews) guidelines. The following databases were searched from 2010 to June 2020: MEDLINE and Embase via the Ovid platform, CINAHL and PsycINFO via the EBSCO platform, and the Cochrane Library. Eligible reviews were published in English; focused on the implementation of tethered patient portals; included patients, health care professionals, managers, and budget holders; and aimed at identifying the contextual factors (ie, barriers and facilitators) that impact the implementation of patient portals. Review titles and abstracts and full-text publications were screened in duplicate. The study characteristics were charted by one author and checked for accuracy by a second author. The NASSS (Non-adoption, Abandonment, Scale-up, Spread, and Sustainability) framework was used to synthesize the findings. RESULTS In total, 10 systematic reviews published between 2015 and 2020 were included in the study. Of these, 3 (30%) reviews addressed patient portals in acute care hospitals, and 2 (20%) reviews addressed the implementation of patient portals among older people in multiple settings (including acute care hospitals). To maximize the inclusion of the literature on patient portal implementation, we also included 5 reviews of systematic reviews that examined patient portals in multiple care settings (including acute care hospitals). Contextual factors influencing patient portal implementation tended to cluster in specific NASSS domains, namely the condition, technology, and value proposition. Certain aspects within these domains received more coverage than others, such as sociocultural factors and comorbidities, the usability and functionality aspects of the technology, and the demand-side value. There are gaps in the literature pertinent to the consideration of the provision of patient portals for older people in acute care hospitals, including the lack of consideration of the diversity of older adults and their needs, the question of interoperability between systems (likely to be important where care involves multiple services), the involvement of lay caregivers, and looking beyond short-term implementation to ways in which portal use can be sustained. CONCLUSIONS We identified important contextual factors that impact patient portal implementation and key gaps in the literature. Future research should focus on evaluating strategies that address disparities in use and promote engagement with patient portals among older people in acute care settings.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Tracey J Brown
- Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich, United Kingdom
| | - Helena Jopling
- Department of Public Health, West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust, Bury St Edmunds, United Kingdom
| | - Fiona Stevenson
- Department of Primary Care and Population Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jennifer Lynch
- School of Health and Social Work, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, United Kingdom
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50
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Antonio MG, Williamson A, Kameswaran V, Beals A, Ankrah E, Goulet S, Wang Y, Macias G, James-Gist J, Brown LK, Davis S, Pillai S, Buis L, Dillahunt T, Veinot TC. Targeting Patients' Cognitive Load for Telehealth Video Visits Through Student-Delivered Helping Sessions at a United States Federally Qualified Health Center: Equity-Focused, Mixed Methods Pilot Intervention Study. J Med Internet Res 2023; 25:e42586. [PMID: 36525332 PMCID: PMC9897309 DOI: 10.2196/42586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The task complexity involved in connecting to telehealth video visits may disproportionately impact health care access in populations already experiencing inequities. Human intermediaries can be a strategy for addressing health care access disparities by acting as technology helpers to reduce the cognitive load demands required to learn and use patient-facing telehealth technologies. OBJECTIVE We conducted a cognitive load theory-informed pilot intervention involving warm accompaniment telehealth helping sessions with patients at a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC). We demonstrate how to design and report recruitment methods, reach, delivery process, and the preliminary impact of a novel equity-focused intervention. METHODS Early into the COVID-19 pandemic a telehealth helping session was offered to patients at FQHC via phone. Graduate students led the sessions on conducting a telehealth video test run or helping with patient portal log-in. They systematically recorded their recruitment efforts, intervention observations, and daily reflection notes. Following the intervention, we asked the intervention participants to participate in an interview and all patients who had telehealth visits during and 4 weeks before and after the intervention period to complete a survey. Electronic health records were reviewed to assess telehealth visit format changes. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses of the recruitment records, electronic health record data, and surveys were performed. Through integrative analysis, we developed process-related themes and recommendations for future equity-focused telehealth interventions. RESULTS Of the 239 eligible patients, 34 (14.2%) completed the intervention and 3 (1.2%) completed subsequent interviews. The intervention participants who completed the survey (n=15) had lower education and less technological experience than the nonintervention survey participants (n=113). We identified 3 helping strategies for cognitive load reduction: providing step-by-step guidance for configuring and learning, building rapport to create confidence while problem-solving, and being on the same page to counter informational distractions. Intervention participants reported increased understanding but found that learning the video visit software was more difficult than nonintervention participants. A comparison of visit experiences did not find differences in difficulty (cognitive load measure) using telehealth-related technologies, changes to visit modality, or reported technical problems during the visit. However, the intervention participants were significantly less satisfied with the video visits. CONCLUSIONS Although a limited number of people participated in the intervention, it may have reached individuals more likely to need technology assistance. We postulate that significant differences between intervention and nonintervention participants were rooted in baseline differences between the groups' education level, technology experience, and technology use frequency; however, small sample sizes limit conclusions. The barriers encountered during the intervention suggest that patients at FQHC may require both improved access to web-based technologies and human intermediary support to make telehealth video visits feasible. Future large, randomized, equity-focused studies should investigate blended strategies to facilitate video visit access.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcy G Antonio
- School of Information, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Alicia Williamson
- School of Information, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | | | - Ashley Beals
- School of Information, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Elizabeth Ankrah
- Department of Informatics, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Shannon Goulet
- School of Information, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Yucen Wang
- School of Information, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Grecia Macias
- School of Information, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Jade James-Gist
- School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Lindsay K Brown
- School of Information, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Sage Davis
- Covenant Community Care, Detroit, MI, United States
| | | | - Lorraine Buis
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Tawanna Dillahunt
- School of Information and College of Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Tiffany C Veinot
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, School of Information and School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
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