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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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Jensen LWH, Rahbek O, Lauritsen REK, Kold S, Dinesen B. Patient Perspectives on Communication Pathways After Orthopedic Surgery and Discharge and Evaluation of Team-Based Digital Communication: Qualitative Exploratory Study. JMIR Hum Factors 2024; 11:e49696. [PMID: 38551641 PMCID: PMC11015373 DOI: 10.2196/49696] [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: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The transition from hospital to home after orthopedic surgery requires smooth communication and coordination between patients and their team of care to avoid fragmented care pathways. Digital communication is increasingly being used to facilitate easy and accessible asynchronous communication between patients and health care professionals across settings. A team-based approach to digital communication may provide optimized quality of care in the postoperative period following orthopedic surgery and hospital discharge. OBJECTIVE This study was divided into two phases that aimed to (1) explore the perspectives of patients undergoing orthopedic surgery on current communication pathways at a tertiary hospital in Denmark and (2) test and explore patients' experiences and use of team-based digital communication following hospital discharge (eDialogue). METHODS A triangulation of qualitative data collection techniques was applied: document analysis, participant observations (n=16 hours), semistructured interviews with patients before (n=31) and after (n=24) their access to eDialogue, and exploration of use data. RESULTS Findings show that patients experience difficult communication pathways after hospital discharge and a lack of information due to inadequate coordination of care. eDialogue was used by 84% (26/31) of the patients, and they suggested that it provided a sense of security, coherence, and proximity in the aftercare rearranging communication pathways for the better. Specific drivers and barriers to use were identified, and these call for further exploration of eDialogue. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, patients evaluated eDialogue positively and suggested that it could support them after returning home following orthopedic surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lili Worre Høpfner Jensen
- Interdisciplinary Orthopaedics, Orthopaedic Surgery Department, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Ole Rahbek
- Interdisciplinary Orthopaedics, Orthopaedic Surgery Department, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
| | | | - Søren Kold
- Interdisciplinary Orthopaedics, Orthopaedic Surgery Department, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Birthe Dinesen
- Laboratory for Welfare Technologies - Digital Health & Rehabilitation, Sport Sciences - Performance & Technology, Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, Aalborg East, Denmark
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Pokharel S, Khawaja Z, Williams J, Mithwani AA, Strain K, Khanna P, Rychtera A, Kiryanova V, Tang K, Mathura P, Hylton C, Ambasta A. Patient perceptions of in-hospital laboratory blood testing: A patient-oriented and patient co-designed qualitative study. Health Expect 2024; 27:e13880. [PMID: 37751312 PMCID: PMC10726148 DOI: 10.1111/hex.13880] [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: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Indiscriminate use of laboratory blood testing in hospitals contributes to patient discomfort and healthcare waste. Patient engagement in low-value healthcare can help reduce overuse. Understanding patient experience is necessary to identify opportunities to improve patient engagement with in-hospital laboratory testing. OBJECTIVES To understand patient experience with the process of in-hospital laboratory blood testing. METHODS We used a qualitative study design via semistructured interviews conducted online or over the phone. Participants were adult patients or family members/caregivers (≥18 years of age) with a recent (within 12 months of interview) experience of hospitalization in Alberta or British Columbia, Canada. We identified participants through convenience sampling and conducted interviews between May 2021 and June 2022. We analysed transcripts using thematic content analysis. Recruitment was continued until code saturation was reached. RESULTS We interviewed 16 participants (13 patients, 1 family member and 2 caregivers). We identified four themes from patients' experiences of in-hospital laboratory blood testing: (i) patients need information from healthcare teams about expected blood testing processes, (ii) blood draw processes should consider patient comfort and preferences, (iii) patients want information from their healthcare teams about the rationale and frequency of blood testing and (iv) patients need information on how their testing results affect their medical care. CONCLUSION Current laboratory testing processes in hospitals do not facilitate shared decision-making and patient engagement. Patient engagement with laboratory testing in hospitals requires an empathetic healthcare team that provides clear communication regarding testing procedures, rationale and results, while considering patient preferences and offering opportunities for involvement. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION We interviewed 16 patients and/or family members/caregivers regarding their in-hospital laboratory blood testing experiences. Our findings show correlations between patient needs and patient recommendations to make testing processes more patient-centred. To bring a lived-experience lens to this study, we formed a Patient Advisory Council with 9-11 patient research partners. Our patient research partners informed the research design, co-developed participant recruitment strategies, co-conducted data collection and informed the data analysis. Some of our patient research partners are co-authors of this manuscript.
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Affiliation(s)
- Surakshya Pokharel
- Ward of the 21st Century, Calgary Zone of Alberta Health ServicesUniversity of CalgaryCalgaryCanada
- Department of Medicine, Cumming School of MedicineUniversity of CalgaryCalgaryCanada
| | - Zoha Khawaja
- Ward of the 21st Century, Calgary Zone of Alberta Health ServicesUniversity of CalgaryCalgaryCanada
- Department of Medicine, Cumming School of MedicineUniversity of CalgaryCalgaryCanada
| | - Jonathan Williams
- Department of Medicine, Cumming School of MedicineUniversity of CalgaryCalgaryCanada
| | - Adnan Adil Mithwani
- Department of Medicine, Cumming School of MedicineUniversity of CalgaryCalgaryCanada
| | - Kimberly Strain
- Strategy for Patient Oriented Research (SPOR) Support UnitCalgaryAlbertaCanada
| | - Prachi Khanna
- Department of Biology, Faculty of ScienceUniversity of British ColumbiaVancouverCanada
| | - Anna Rychtera
- Strategy for Patient Oriented Research (SPOR) Support UnitVancouverBritish ColumbiaCanada
- Michael Smith Health ResearchVancouverBritish ColumbiaCanada
| | - Veronika Kiryanova
- Department of Medicine, Cumming School of MedicineUniversity of CalgaryCalgaryCanada
| | - Karen Tang
- Department of Medicine, Cumming School of MedicineUniversity of CalgaryCalgaryCanada
- O'Brien Institute of Public Health, Cumming School of MedicineUniversity of CalgaryCalgaryCanada
| | - Pamela Mathura
- Department of MedicineUniversity of AlbertaEdmontonCanada
| | - Chris Hylton
- Graduate StudiesLaval UniversityQuebec CityCanada
| | - Anshula Ambasta
- Department of Medicine, Cumming School of MedicineUniversity of CalgaryCalgaryCanada
- Department of Anesthesia, Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Therapeutics InitiativeUniversity of British ColumbiaVancouverCanada
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McMillan D, Brown D, Rieger K, Duncan G, Plouffe J, Amadi C, Jafri S. Patient and family perceptions of a discharge bedside board. PEC INNOVATION 2023; 3:100214. [PMID: 37743957 PMCID: PMC10514555 DOI: 10.1016/j.pecinn.2023.100214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
Objective To explore patient and family perspectives of a discharge bedside board for supporting engagement in patient care and discharge planning to inform tool revision. Methods This qualitative descriptive study included 45 semi-structured interviews with a purposeful sample of English-speaking patients (n = 44; mean age 58.5 years) and their family members (n = 5) across seven adult inpatient units at a tertiary acute care hospital in mid-western Canada. Thematic (interviews), content (board, organization procedure document), and framework-guided integrated (all data) analyses were performed. Results Four themes were generated from interview data: understanding the board, included essential information to guide care, balancing information on the board, and maintaining a sense of connection. Despite application inconsistencies, documented standard procedures aligned with recommended board (re)orientation, timely patient-friendly content, attention to privacy, and patient-provider engagement strategies. Conclusion Findings indicate the tool supported consultation and some involvement level engagement in patient care and discharge. Board information was usually valued, however, perceived procedural gaps in tool education, privacy, and the quality of tool-related communication offer opportunities to strengthen patients' and families' tool experience. Innovation Novel application of a continuum engagement framework in the exploration of multiple data sources generated significant insights to guide tool revision.
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Affiliation(s)
- D.E. McMillan
- College of Nursing, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg R3T 2N2, Canada
- Health Sciences Centre, Winnipeg R3A 1R9, Canada
| | - D.B. Brown
- Health Sciences Centre, Winnipeg R3A 1R9, Canada
| | - K.L. Rieger
- College of Nursing, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - G. Duncan
- Health Sciences Centre, Winnipeg R3A 1R9, Canada
| | - J. Plouffe
- Health Sciences Centre, Winnipeg R3A 1R9, Canada
| | - C.C. Amadi
- College of Nursing, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - S. Jafri
- College of Nursing, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg R3T 2N2, Canada
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El Yaman N, Zeitoun J, Diab R, Mdaihly M, Diab R, Kobeissi L, Abou Ljoud S, Antoun J, Bardus M. Utilization of patient portals: a cross-sectional study investigating associations with mobile app quality. BMC Med Inform Decis Mak 2023; 23:177. [PMID: 37670277 PMCID: PMC10481578 DOI: 10.1186/s12911-023-02252-x] [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: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mobile apps facilitate patients' access to portals and interaction with their healthcare providers. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated this trend globally, but little evidence exists on patient portal usage in the Middle East, where internet access and digital literacy are limited. Our study aimed to explore how users utilize a patient portal through its related mobile app (MyChart by EPIC). METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional survey of MyChart users, recruited from a tertiary care center in Lebanon. We collected MyChart usage patterns, perceived outcomes, and app quality, based on the Mobile Application Rating Scale (user version, uMARS), and sociodemographic factors. We examined associations between app usage, app quality, and sociodemographic factors using Pearson's correlations, Chi-square, ANOVA, and t-tests. RESULTS 428 users completed the survey; they were primarily female (63%), aged 41.3 ± 15.6 years, with a higher education level (87%) and a relatively high crowding index of 1.4 ± 0.6. Most of the sample was in good and very good health (78%) and had no chronic illnesses (67%), and accessed the portal through MyChart once a month or less (76%). The most frequently used features were accessing health records (98%), scheduling appointments (67%), and messaging physicians (56%). According to uMARS completers (n = 200), the objective quality score was 3.8 ± 0.5, and the subjective quality was 3.6 ± 0.7. No significant association was found between overall app usage and the mobile app quality measured via uMARS. Moreover, app use frequency was negatively associated with education, socioeconomic status, and perceived health status. On the other hand, app use was positively related to having chronic conditions, the number of physician visits and subjective app quality. CONCLUSION The patient portal usage was not associated with app quality but with some of the participants' demographic factors. The app offers a user-friendly, good-quality interface to patient health records and physicians, appreciated chiefly by users with relatively low socioeconomic status and education. While this is encouraging, more research is needed to capture the usage patterns and perceptions of male patients and those with even lower education and socioeconomic status, to make patient portals more inclusive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noha El Yaman
- Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Jad Zeitoun
- Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Rawan Diab
- Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Mohamad Mdaihly
- Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Razan Diab
- Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Lynn Kobeissi
- Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Salwa Abou Ljoud
- Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Jumana Antoun
- Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon.
| | - Marco Bardus
- Institute of Applied Health Research, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK.
- Department of Health Promotion and Community Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon.
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Son EH, Nahm ES. Adult Patients' Experiences of Using a Patient Portal With a Focus on Perceived Benefits and Difficulties, and Perceptions on Privacy and Security: Qualitative Descriptive Study. JMIR Hum Factors 2023; 10:e46044. [PMID: 37490316 PMCID: PMC10411420 DOI: 10.2196/46044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patient portals can facilitate patient engagement in care management. Driven by national efforts over the past decade, patient portals are being implemented by hospitals and clinics nationwide. Continuous evaluation of patient portals and reflection of feedback from end users across care settings are needed to make patient portals more user-centered after the implementation. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to investigate the lived experience of using a patient portal in adult patients recruited from a variety of care settings, focusing on their perceived benefits and difficulties of using the patient portal, and trust and concerns about privacy and security. METHODS This qualitative descriptive study was part of a cross-sectional digital survey research to examine the comprehensive experience of using a patient portal in adult patients recruited from 20 care settings from hospitals and clinics of a large integrated health care system in the mid-Atlantic area of the United States. Those who had used a patient portal offered by the health care system in the past 12 months were eligible to participate in the survey. Data collected from 734 patients were subjected to descriptive statistics and content analysis. RESULTS The majority of the participants were female and non-Hispanic White with a mean age of 53.1 (SD 15.34) years. Content analysis of 1589 qualitative comments identified 22 themes across 4 topics: beneficial aspects (6 themes) and difficulties (7 themes) in using the patient portal; trust (5 themes) and concerns (4 themes) about privacy and security of the patient portal. Most of the participants perceived the patient portal functions as beneficial for communicating with health care teams and monitoring health status and care activities. At the same time, about a quarter of them shared difficulties they experienced while using those functions, including not getting eMessage responses timely and difficulty finding information in the portal. Protected log-in process and trust in health care providers were the most mentioned reasons for trusting privacy and security of the patient portal. The most mentioned reason for concerns about privacy and security was the risk of data breaches such as hacking attacks and identity theft. CONCLUSIONS This study provides an empirical understanding of the lived experience of using a patient portal in adult patient users across care settings with a focus on the beneficial aspects and difficulties in using the patient portal, and trust and concerns about privacy and security. Our study findings can serve as a valuable reference for health care institutions and software companies to implement more user-centered, secure, and private patient portals. Future studies may consider targeting other patient portal programs and patients with infrequent or nonuse of patient portals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa H Son
- Translational Biobehavioral and Health Disparities Branch, National Institutes of Health Clinical Center, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Eun-Shim Nahm
- Organizational Systems and Adult Health, University of Maryland School of Nursing, Baltimore, MD, United States
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Son H, Nahm ES, Zhu S, Galik E, Van de Castle B, Seidl KL, Russomanno V. Older Adults' Perception on and Use of Patient Portals: A Comparative Analysis of Two Samples. Comput Inform Nurs 2022; 40:61-68. [PMID: 34347646 DOI: 10.1097/cin.0000000000000802] [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: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Older adults can benefit from using patient portals. Little is known whether perception of and use of patient portals differ among older adults in diverse healthcare contexts. This study analyzed the difference in perceived usability, self-efficacy, and use of patient portals between older adults recruited from a healthcare system (n = 174) and older adults recruited from nationwide communities (n = 126). A secondary data analysis was conducted using the data sets of two independent studies. A series of linear and ordinal logistic regression analyses were performed. The healthcare system sample had more health issues, higher levels of perceived usability and self-efficacy, and frequent use of patient portals compared with the community sample. This study indicates that efforts to improve usability of patient portals and self-efficacy are essential for all older adult users. The association between perceived usability and patient portal use was stronger in the community sample than in the healthcare system sample, suggesting that approaches to support older adults' efficient use of patient portals should be tailored to their health status and care needs. Future studies may include inpatient and outpatient portals and investigate the impact on health outcomes of older adults across care settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyojin Son
- Author Affiliations: National Institutes of Health Clinical Center (Dr Son), Bethesda, MD; Department of Organizational Systems and Adult Health (Drs Nahm, Galik, Van de Castle, and Seidl) and Office of Research and Scholarship (Dr Zhu), University of Maryland School of Nursing, Baltimore, MD; and E-Health Department, University of Maryland Medical System (Mr Russomanno), Linthicum Heights, MD
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Lo B, Charow R, Laberge S, Bakas V, Williams L, Wiljer D. Why are Patient Portals Important in the Age of COVID-19? Reflecting on Patient and Team Experiences From a Toronto Hospital Network. J Patient Exp 2022; 9:23743735221112216. [PMID: 35899103 PMCID: PMC9310255 DOI: 10.1177/23743735221112216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed how care is being delivered in Canada. With
conventional in-person care being transitioned to virtual care, the approach that patients
are able to engage and access their care has dramatically changed. At the University
Health Network (UHN), which is Canada's largest academic and teaching hospital network, we
expanded the myUHN Patient Portal in 2017 after its early adopter phase to enable patients
and family members to view parts of their clinical notes and test results. As the pandemic
progressed, we observed high adoption of myUHN to support virtual care and rapid delivery
of COVID-19 test results in real time. In this article, we share and reflect on our
experience of adapting myUHN to support the demands of the pandemic, including portal
adoption outcomes across multiple waves of the pandemic, the impetus for increased patient
experience staff dedicated for myUHN support, and patients’ perceptions of the value of
the portal and virtual care. Based on these reflections, we outline our perspectives on
the future role of patient portals to support patient care and experience in a
post-pandemic environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Lo
- UHN Digital, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Information Management Group, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Rebecca Charow
- UHN Digital, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Sarah Laberge
- myUHN Patient Portal, Patient Experience, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Vasiliki Bakas
- myUHN Patient Portal, Patient Experience, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Laura Williams
- myUHN Patient Portal, Patient Experience, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - David Wiljer
- UHN Digital, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Wang P, Li T, Yu L, Zhou L, Yan T. Towards an effective framework for integrating patient-reported outcomes in electronic health records. Digit Health 2022; 8:20552076221112152. [PMID: 35860613 PMCID: PMC9290150 DOI: 10.1177/20552076221112152] [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: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In the past decade, electronic modalities are increasingly deployed to integrate patient-reported outcomes into electronic health records. Most popularly, patient portals are used for remote questionnaires, and tablets are provided to patients in-office in case they need help. They are both useful. But some barriers are still in the way, which place burdens on patients and clinicians in the process of routine data collection. Objective This study aims to describe a portable and scalable framework which can simplify the patient-reported outcome integration by mitigating the related burdens. Methods A framework was proposed to use a modular approach to replace the tethered approach. The framework was open-sourced on GitHub. After development and testing, it was evaluated on an instrument with 24 questions in a real clinical setting. Patients were randomly selected in every modality-based group. For objective analysis, completion time and response rate were collected. No-show data was collected and analyzed. For subjective analysis, the NASA Task Load Index was used to measure workload, and the Net Promoter Score was used to assess user satisfaction. Results The model could contain 46,656 questions. A quick response code could store 1120 encoded items. For remote visits, the response rate was improved compared to the portal group (76.6% vs. 61.1%). The completion time was reduced by 37.5% when compared to the tablet group and was reduced by 43.4% when compared to the portal group. The workload for clinicians and patients was both reduced significantly (p < 0.001). A higher Net Promoter Score was rated by both clinicians (89.3%) and patients (86.5%). Compared to the portal group, the no-show rate was reduced (11.7% vs. 8.6%). Conclusions Collecting patient-reported outcomes over a quick response code appears to be an alternative modality to enable a simplified integration. This study provides new insights to collect patient-reported outcomes with interoperability and substitutability in mind.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panzhang Wang
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Tao Li
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Lei Yu
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Liang Zhou
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Tao Yan
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, China
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Sääskilahti M, Ojanen A, Ahonen R, Timonen J. Benefits, Problems, and Potential Improvements in a Nationwide Patient Portal: Cross-sectional Survey of Pharmacy Customers' Experiences. J Med Internet Res 2021; 23:e31483. [PMID: 34730542 PMCID: PMC8600438 DOI: 10.2196/31483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patient engagement is a worldwide trend in health care. Patient portals have the potential to increase patients' knowledge about their health and care and therefore enhance patient engagement. Portal users' experiences are needed to determine if these portals work appropriately and if there are barriers to achieving the aims that were set before their implementation. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study is to analyze pharmacy customers' experiences of the Finnish nationwide patient portal My Kanta in terms of benefits, problems, and potential improvements. METHODS A questionnaire survey was conducted among pharmacy customers in the spring of 2019. The questionnaires (N=2866) were distributed from 18 community pharmacies across mainland Finland to customers aged ≥18 years who were purchasing prescription medicines for themselves or their children aged <18 years. Using open-ended questions, customers were asked about their experiences of the benefits and problems of My Kanta and what improvements could be made. Their responses were encoded and categorized using inductive content analysis, stored in SPSS Statistics for Windows, and analyzed using frequencies. RESULTS Of the 2866 questionnaires, a total of 994 (34.68%) questionnaires were included in the analysis. Most respondents were My Kanta users (820/994, 82.5%); of these 820 users, 667 (81.3%) reported at least one benefit, 311 (37.9%) reported at least one problem, and 327 (39.9%) reported at least one potential improvement when using My Kanta. The most commonly mentioned benefits were opportunities to view health data (290/667, 43.5%) and prescriptions (247/667, 37%) and to renew prescriptions (220/667, 33%). The most extensively reported problems with My Kanta were that the portal lacks health data (71/311, 22.8%), navigating the service and searching for information is difficult (68/311, 21.9%), and the delay before health data are incorporated into the service (41/311, 13.2%). The most frequently suggested potential improvements were that My Kanta needs more comprehensive health data (89/327, 27.2%); the service should be easier to navigate and information easier to access (71/327, 21.7%); the service should have more functions (51/327, 15.6%); and health data should be entered into the portal more promptly (47/327, 14.4%). CONCLUSIONS Pharmacy customers reported more benefits than problems or potential improvements regarding the use of My Kanta. The service is useful for viewing health data and prescriptions and for renewing prescriptions. However, portal users would like to see more data and functions available in the portal and data searches to be made easier. These improvements could make the data and functions provided by the portal easier to view and use and hence promote patient engagement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Sääskilahti
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Anna Ojanen
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland.,Humalisto Pharmacy, Turku, Finland
| | - Riitta Ahonen
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Johanna Timonen
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
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11
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Wang N, Albaroudi A, Benjenk I, Chen J. Exploring hospital-based health information technology functions for patients with Alzheimer's Disease and related Dementias. Prev Med Rep 2021; 23:101459. [PMID: 34258173 PMCID: PMC8256283 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2021.101459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Revised: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
This study investigated whether hospital-adopted health information technology (HIT) is associated with a reduction in the frequency of preventable emergency department (ED) visits for patients with Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD). We used data from the 2015 State Emergency Department Databases, Area Health Resources File, and the American Hospital Association Annual Survey Information Technology Supplement. We employed multivariable logistic regression models to examine the variation of the likelihood of having preventable ED visits by hospitals' adoption of HIT functions and adjusted for patient, hospital, and county-level factors. We focused on hospital-HIT functions related to patient engagement, routine integration and availability of electronic clinical information, frequency of hospital reported use of electronic patient information, and the provision of electronic notification to the patient's primary care provider. Approximately 23% of ADRD patients went to a hospital that often used electronic records from outside providers, and 75% of ADRD patients went to a hospital that provided electronic notification to the patient's primary care provider. Regression results showed that hospital reported use of electronic patient health information from outside providers (OR = 0.88; p < 0.001), provision of electronic notification to the patient's primary care physician inside and outside of the system (OR = 0.91; p = 0.013), and hospital-HIT patient engagement functionalities (OR = 0.90; p < 0.001) were associated with significantly lower preventable ED visit rates. The results of our study suggest that certain types of HIT functionalities may be useful for reducing preventable ED visits for ADRD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nianyang Wang
- Department of Health Policy and Management, University of Maryland, School of Public Health, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Asmaa Albaroudi
- Department of Health Policy and Management, University of Maryland, School of Public Health, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Ivy Benjenk
- Department of Health Policy and Management, University of Maryland, School of Public Health, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Jie Chen
- Department of Health Policy and Management, University of Maryland, School of Public Health, College Park, MD, USA
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12
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Kinney AP, Sankaranarayanan B. Effects of Patient Portal Use on Patient Satisfaction: Survey and Partial Least Squares Analysis. J Med Internet Res 2021; 23:e19820. [PMID: 34448712 PMCID: PMC8433860 DOI: 10.2196/19820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2020] [Revised: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background With digital delivery of health care services gaining prominence, patient portals have become a mainstay of many health care organizations. Despite the importance of patient portals, inconclusive data exist regarding the effect of patient portal use on patient satisfaction. Objective The aim of this study is to understand the relationship between the postadoptive use of patient portals and patient satisfaction outcomes. Methods Postadoptive use of patient portals has a positive relationship with the 3 dimensions of patient satisfaction, mediated by gratification, health self-awareness, and health perceptions. A total of 504 valid patient portal user responses were collected, and partial least squares analysis was performed to analyze the data. Results Patient satisfaction was captured using three dimensions: care team interaction, atmosphere, and instruction effectiveness. The results show that postadoptive use of patient portals has a positive influence on all 3 dimensions of patient satisfaction through the mediating variables of gratification, health self-awareness, and health perceptions. Specifically, postadoptive use had significant positive influence on gratification, health self-awareness, and health perceptions. Each of the 3 patient perceptions had significant positive influence on all 3 dimensions of patient satisfaction: care team interaction, atmosphere, and instruction effectiveness. Specifically, our model explained 31.8% of the care team interaction, 40.6% of the atmosphere, and 39.1% of the instruction effectiveness. Conclusions Our model shows that patient portal use can influence patient satisfaction through the mediating effects of gratification, health self-awareness, and health perception. Patient satisfaction is an important outcome for health care organizations. Therefore, by promoting effective patient portal use and fostering patient perceptions, health care organizations can improve patient satisfaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron P Kinney
- Herma Heart Institute, Children's Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Balaji Sankaranarayanan
- Department of Information Technology and Supply Chain Management, College of Business and Economics, University of Wisconsin - Whitewater, Whitewater, WI, United States
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13
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Harahap NC, Handayani PW, Hidayanto AN. Functionalities and Issues in the Implementation of Personal Health Records: Systematic Review. J Med Internet Res 2021; 23:e26236. [PMID: 34287210 PMCID: PMC8339989 DOI: 10.2196/26236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Revised: 03/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Functionalities of personal health record (PHR) are evolving, and continued discussions about PHR functionalities need to be performed to keep it up-to-date. Technological issues such as nonfunctional requirements should also be discussed in the implementation of PHR. Objective This study systematically reviewed the main functionalities and issues in implementing the PHR. Methods This systematic review was conducted using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The search is performed using the online databases Scopus, ScienceDirect, IEEE, MEDLINE, CINAHL, and PubMed for English journal articles and conference proceedings published between 2015 and 2020. Results A total of 105 articles were selected in the review. Seven function categories were identified in this review, which is grouped into basic and advanced functions. Health records and administrative records were grouped into basic functions. Medication management, communication, appointment management, education, and self-health monitoring were grouped into advanced functions. The issues found in this study include interoperability, security and privacy, usability, data quality, and personalization. Conclusions In addition to PHR basic and advanced functions, other supporting functionalities may also need to be developed based on the issues identified in this study. This paper provides an integrated PHR architectural model that describes the functional requirements and data sources of PHRs.
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14
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Sääskilahti M, Ahonen R, Timonen J. Pharmacy Customers' Experiences of Use, Usability, and Satisfaction of a Nationwide Patient Portal: Survey Study. J Med Internet Res 2021; 23:e25368. [PMID: 34269687 PMCID: PMC8325076 DOI: 10.2196/25368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Revised: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 05/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Patient portals have been introduced in several countries in the last few decades. Despite worldwide objectives of introducing patient portals, nationwide portals are rare, and studies about their use are limited. Finland is one of the forerunners in developing nationwide health data systems. A nationwide patient portal, My Kanta, for viewing electronic prescriptions and health data has been phased in, starting in 2010. Objective The aim of this study was to investigate what functions Finnish pharmacy customers use in My Kanta, their perceptions of the service’s usability, and how satisfied users are with My Kanta overall. Methods In spring 2019, questionnaires (N=2866) were distributed from 18 pharmacies of varying size across mainland Finland to adult pharmacy customers purchasing prescription medications for themselves or for their child under 18 years of age. Questions were asked about the use and usability of the patient portal by means of structured and Likert-scale questions. Statistical analyses included frequencies, means, medians, chi-square tests, Fisher exact tests, and Kruskal-Wallis tests. Results In total, 994 completed questionnaires of 2866 delivered questionnaires (34.68%) were returned. The most-used My Kanta functions were browsing prescription information (781/802, 97.4%), records of health care visits (772/802, 96.3%), and results of laboratory tests and x-ray examinations (722/804, 89.8%). Most users (558/793, 70.4%) had also requested a prescription renewal using the service. My Kanta was perceived as easy to log into (772/816, 94.6%) and clear to view (709/808, 87.7%). Most users considered the service useful for monitoring their health information (753/813, 92.6%) and felt that it provides a good overall picture of the medications prescribed to them (711/813, 87.5%). The majority of users found the information recorded about them easy to understand (684/800, 85.5%). Of the users, 16.7% (135/807) disagreed with the statement that the information they were looking for was easy to find. Approximately two-thirds (501/814, 61.5%) of users did not know whether it is easy to view in which pharmacies and health care units their prescription information has been viewed, and over one-third (306/805, 38.0%) did not know whether it is easy to view in which health care units their health information has been processed. Approximately one-fifth of participants (181/805, 22.5%) feared that unauthorized persons might view their information and that their electronically saved prescription and health information might disappear (180/810, 22.2%). In addition, 16.1% (129/799) expressed interest in receiving guidance on My Kanta use. The vast majority of users (719/804, 89.4%) were satisfied with the service overall. Conclusions Pharmacy customers were satisfied with the nationwide patient portal. It was mostly used for browsing e-prescriptions and medical records. Overall, the usability of the service was good. However, users need to be better informed about data privacy and security issues, and guidance on using the portal needs to be improved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Sääskilahti
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Riitta Ahonen
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Johanna Timonen
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
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15
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Fareed N, Jonnalagadda P, MacEwan SR, Di Tosto G, Scarborough S, Huerta TR, McAlearney AS. Differential Effects of Outpatient Portal User Status on Inpatient Portal Use: Observational Study. J Med Internet Res 2021; 23:e23866. [PMID: 33929328 PMCID: PMC8122294 DOI: 10.2196/23866] [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: 08/26/2020] [Revised: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The decision to use patient portals can be influenced by multiple factors, including individuals’ perceptions of the tool, which are based on both their personal skills and experiences. Prior experience with one type of portal may make individuals more comfortable with using newer portal technologies. Experienced outpatient portal users in particular may have confidence in their ability to use inpatient portals that have similar functionality. In practice, the use of both outpatient and inpatient portal technologies can provide patients with continuity of access to their health information across care settings, but the influence of one type of portal use on the use of other portals has not been studied. Objective This study aims to understand how patients’ use of an inpatient portal is influenced by outpatient portal use. Methods This study included patients from an academic medical center who were provided access to an inpatient portal during their hospital stays between 2016 and 2018 (N=1571). We analyzed inpatient portal log files to investigate how inpatient portal use varied by using 3 categories of outpatient portal users: prior users, new users, and nonusers. Results Compared with prior users (695/1571, 44.24%) of an outpatient portal, new users (214/1571, 13.62%) had higher use of a select set of inpatient portal functions (messaging function: incidence rate ratio [IRR] 1.33, 95% CI 1.06-1.67; function that provides access to the outpatient portal through the inpatient portal: IRR 1.34, 95% CI 1.13-1.58). Nonusers (662/1571, 42.14%), compared with prior users, had lower overall inpatient portal use (all active functions: IRR 0.68, 95% CI 0.60-0.78) and lower use of specific functions, which included the function to review vitals and laboratory results (IRR 0.51, 95% CI 0.36-0.73) and the function to access the outpatient portal (IRR 0.53, 95% CI 0.45-0.62). In comparison with prior users, nonusers also had lower odds of being comprehensive users (defined as using 8 or more unique portal functions; odds ratio [OR] 0.57, 95% CI 0.45-0.73) or composite users (defined as comprehensive users who initiated a 75th or greater percentile of portal sessions) of the inpatient portal (OR 0.42, 95% CI 0.29-0.60). Conclusions Patients’ use of an inpatient portal during their hospital stay appeared to be influenced by a combination of factors, including prior outpatient portal use. For new users, hospitalization itself, a major event that can motivate behavioral changes, may have influenced portal use. In contrast, nonusers might have lower self-efficacy in their ability to use technology to manage their health, contributing to their lower portal use. Understanding the relationship between the use of outpatient and inpatient portals can help direct targeted implementation strategies that encourage individuals to use these tools to better manage their health across care settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naleef Fareed
- The Center for the Advancement of Team Science, Analytics, and Systems Thinking, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States.,Department of Biomedical Informatics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Pallavi Jonnalagadda
- The Center for the Advancement of Team Science, Analytics, and Systems Thinking, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Sarah R MacEwan
- The Center for the Advancement of Team Science, Analytics, and Systems Thinking, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Gennaro Di Tosto
- The Center for the Advancement of Team Science, Analytics, and Systems Thinking, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Seth Scarborough
- The Center for the Advancement of Team Science, Analytics, and Systems Thinking, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Timothy R Huerta
- The Center for the Advancement of Team Science, Analytics, and Systems Thinking, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States.,Department of Biomedical Informatics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States.,Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Ann Scheck McAlearney
- The Center for the Advancement of Team Science, Analytics, and Systems Thinking, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States.,Department of Biomedical Informatics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States.,Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
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16
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MacEwan SR, Gaughan A, Hefner JL, McAlearney AS. Identifying the role of inpatient portals to support health literacy: Perspectives from patients and care team members. PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING 2021; 104:836-843. [PMID: 33071027 DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2020.09.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Revised: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Health literacy is a fundamental contributor to an individual's ability to self-manage their health and appropriately use health care services. Tools that positively impact health literacy therefore have potential to improve health outcomes. Inpatient portals are a tool that provides patients an opportunity to cultivate health literacy skills during hospitalization. Our study investigated how inpatient portal use could impact attributes of health literacy. METHODS We conducted semi-structured interviews with 132 patients and 440 care team members to learn about patients' inpatient portal use. Interview transcripts were analyzed deductively and inductively to categorize data and understand emergent themes around health literacy. RESULTS Patients and care team members identified inpatient portal functions that they perceived to positively impact health literacy. These functions included providing patients access to health information, care plans, and educational materials, as well as enabling patient communication with their care team. CONCLUSION Recognizing the potential of inpatient portals to improve health literacy is critical to ensure they are implemented in ways that leverage this benefit for patients. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS Health care organizations should implement inpatient portals that include features that support health literacy and encourage patients to use these portals in ways that improve their health literacy skills.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah R MacEwan
- CATALYST, Center for the Advancement of Team Science, Analytics, and Systems Thinking, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA.
| | - Alice Gaughan
- CATALYST, Center for the Advancement of Team Science, Analytics, and Systems Thinking, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Jennifer L Hefner
- CATALYST, Center for the Advancement of Team Science, Analytics, and Systems Thinking, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA; Division of Health Services Management and Policy, College of Public Health, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Ann Scheck McAlearney
- CATALYST, Center for the Advancement of Team Science, Analytics, and Systems Thinking, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA; Division of Health Services Management and Policy, College of Public Health, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA; Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA; Department of Biomedical Informatics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
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17
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Understanding cancer patients' use and perceptions of inpatient portal: A case study at a tertiary hospital in Saudi Arabia. Int J Med Inform 2021; 148:104398. [PMID: 33571744 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmedinf.2021.104398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Revised: 12/19/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inpatient portals have been introduced into tertiary hospitals to meet patients' information and communication needs, to increase their awareness of health care, and to facilitate their transition after discharge. However, there is inadequate knowledge about hospitalised oncology patients' use and perceptions of these technologies. OBJECTIVE To explore cancer patients' use and perceptions of an inpatient portal in a tertiary hospital and to identify the main benefits and barriers for patients in using the portal. METHOD A qualitative case study was conducted in a tertiary hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Only cancer patients were invited to participate. Twenty-two semi-structured interviews were conducted in the patient's room in a cancer care centre in January 2020. Interviews were audio-recorded, fully transcribed, and analysed using a thematic analysis method. RESULTS Most patients used the portal for the first time. The most used features were entertainment, watching fall prevention videos and viewing medication lists. Although the majority of patients were positive towards the portal, and considered it to be useful and easy to use, only a small number of them used the key clinical feature of the system such as pain assessment, health education, and discharge preparation. The patients would like to see further improvement in usability of the portal, appropriate user training, adding further information, and incorporating more services and features in the portal. CONCLUSION The introduction of the inpatient portal is successful in improving cancer patients' hospitalisation experience. It helped cancer patients to acquire knowledge about their own health, to actively engage in their care processes, and to request and acquire electronic services, in addition to providing entertainment. Future research on which factors inspire patients' use of the portal and how the influence is achieved is needed for the successful integration of the portal into the patients' hospital care process.
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Alturkistani A, Greenfield G, Greaves F, Aliabadi S, Jenkins RH, Costelloe C. Patient Portal Functionalities and Uptake: Systematic Review Protocol. JMIR Res Protoc 2020; 9:e14975. [PMID: 32734928 PMCID: PMC7428936 DOI: 10.2196/14975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2019] [Revised: 11/28/2019] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Patient portals are digital health tools adopted by health care organizations. The portals are generally connected to the electronic health record of the health care organization and offer patients functionalities such as access to the medical record, ability to order repeat prescriptions, make appointments, or message the health care provider. Patient portals may be beneficial for both patients and the health care system. Patient portals can widely differ from one context to another due to the differences in the portal functionalities and capabilities and it is anticipated that outcomes associated with the functionalities also differ. Current systematic reviews report outcomes associated with patient portal uptake but do not explicitly specify the patient portal functionalities. Objective The aim of this systematic review is to synthesize the evidence on health and health care quality outcomes associated with patient portal use among adult (18 years or older) patients. The review research questions are as follows: What kind of health outcomes do tethered patient portals and patient portal functionalities contribute to in adult patients (18 years or older)? and What kind of health care quality outcomes, including health care utilization outcomes, do tethered patient portals and patient portal functionalities contribute to in adult patients (18 years or older)? Methods The systematic review will be conducted by searching the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Scopus databases for relevant literature. The review inclusion criteria will be studies about adult patients (18 years or older), studies only about tethered patient portals, and studies with or without a comparator. We will report patient portal–associated health and health care quality outcomes based on the patient portal functionalities. All quantitative primary study types will be included. Risk of bias of included studies will be assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration’s tool for assessing risk of bias in randomized trials and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute’s quality assessment tools. Data will be synthesized using narrative synthesis and will be reported according to the patient portal functionalities, country, disease, and health care system model. Results Searches will be conducted in September 2019, and the review is anticipated to be completed by the end of June 2020. Conclusions This systematic review will provide an overview of health and health care quality outcomes associated with patient portal use among adult patients, providing detailed information about the functionalities of the portals and their associations with the outcomes. The review could potentially help patient portal evaluation studies by providing insights into outcomes associated with the different functionalities of patient portals. Trial Registration International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) CRD42019141131; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=141131 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) PRR1-10.2196/14975
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Affiliation(s)
- Abrar Alturkistani
- Global Digital Health Unit, Department of Primary Care and Public Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Geva Greenfield
- Public Health Policy Evaluation Unit, Department of Primary Care and Public Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Felix Greaves
- Department of Primary Care and Public Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Shirin Aliabadi
- Global Digital Health Unit, Department of Primary Care and Public Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Rosemary H Jenkins
- Public Health Policy Evaluation Unit, Department of Primary Care and Public Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ceire Costelloe
- Global Digital Health Unit, Department of Primary Care and Public Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
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Persistent digital divide in health-related internet use among cancer survivors: findings from the Health Information National Trends Survey, 2003-2018. J Cancer Surviv 2020; 15:87-98. [PMID: 32671557 PMCID: PMC7360998 DOI: 10.1007/s11764-020-00913-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Purpose Prior research on the use of the internet among cancer survivors indicates a digital divide. The online landscape and patterns of information consumption, however, have notably changed over the past decade necessitating an updated examination of health-related internet use (HRIU) among cancer survivors. Methods Using survey data from 2003, 2005, 2007, 2011, 2013, 2017, and 2018 Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS) iterations, the objectives of this study were to report prevalence, trends, and user profiles in HRIU in terms of emailing doctors, buying medicine online, and support group participation. Descriptive analyses and weighted multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed. Results Cancer survivors who reported not using the internet were more likely to be older, belong to ethnic minorities, be less educated, and reside in rural areas as compared with those who reported using the internet. Except for participation in online support groups, all other types of HRIU increased in prevalence across the years. Conclusions Consistent with the increased penetration of the internet and the altered online health communication landscape, we found increased prevalence of HRIU among cancer survivors. However, the digital divide persists in terms of internet access. These findings can inform initiatives to bridge the gap among survivors of varying profiles in using the internet for their health needs. Implications for Cancer Survivors There is increased reliance on online platforms to obtain and communicate health-related information. The risk with this approach is potential oversight of ensuring equity in terms of internet access and technology literacy among survivors. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1007/s11764-020-00913-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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McAlearney AS, Hefner JL, MacEwan SR, Gaughan A, DePuccio M, Walker DM, Hogan CT, Fareed N, Sieck CJ, Huerta TR. Care Team Perspectives About an Inpatient Portal: Benefits and Challenges of Patients' Portal Use During Hospitalization. Med Care Res Rev 2020; 78:537-547. [PMID: 32552351 DOI: 10.1177/1077558720925296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
While current research about inpatient portals has focused largely on the patient perspective, it is also critical to consider the care team point of view, as support from these individuals is essential to successful portal implementation and use. We held brief in-person interviews with 433 care team members across a six-hospital health system to explore opinions about patients' use of an inpatient portal as perceived by care team members. Using the Inpatient Portal Evaluation Framework, we characterized benefits and challenges of portal use that care team members reported affected patients, themselves, and the collaborative work of these care teams with their patients. Interviewees noted inpatient portals can improve patient care and experience and also indicated room for improvement in portal use for hospitalized patients. Further understanding of the care team perspective is critical to inform approaches to inpatient portal implementation that best benefit both patients and providers.
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21
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McAlearney AS, Walker DM, Gaughan A, Moffatt-Bruce S, Huerta TR. Helping Patients Be Better Patients: A Qualitative Study of Perceptions About Inpatient Portal Use. Telemed J E Health 2020; 26:1184-1187. [PMID: 31990635 DOI: 10.1089/tmj.2019.0198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: As more hospitals introduce inpatient portals, it is increasingly important to understand their impact on patient experience and the care process. We conducted this study to learn from patients and care team members about their experience with an inpatient portal. Methods: We interviewed 120 patients and 433 care team members across a seven-hospital academic medical center that offers an inpatient portal to hospitalized patients. Interviewees were asked about their use of the inpatient portal and its impact on patient experience. Recorded interviews were transcribed and rigorously analyzed using both inductive and deductive methods. Results: We found that the inpatient portal was perceived to help patients be "better patients" by improving their ability to be informed about their health and by enabling them to be more involved in the care process. Care team members suggested portal use could be improved by addressing challenges with tablet administration, use of the patient education feature, and the functionality of the scheduling feature. Conclusions: Across interviewees, we found that inpatient portals were perceived to improve the hospital experience and increase empowerment for patients by offering information about care in a manner that allowed patients to join their care teams as active, participating members.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann Scheck McAlearney
- Department of Family Medicine, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
- CATALYST, Center for the Advancement of Team Science, Analytics, and Systems Thinking, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
- Division of Health Services Management and Policy, College of Public Health, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Daniel M Walker
- Department of Family Medicine, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
- CATALYST, Center for the Advancement of Team Science, Analytics, and Systems Thinking, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
- Division of Health Services Management and Policy, College of Public Health, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Alice Gaughan
- CATALYST, Center for the Advancement of Team Science, Analytics, and Systems Thinking, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Susan Moffatt-Bruce
- CATALYST, Center for the Advancement of Team Science, Analytics, and Systems Thinking, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Timothy R Huerta
- Department of Family Medicine, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
- CATALYST, Center for the Advancement of Team Science, Analytics, and Systems Thinking, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
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Walker DM, Gaughan A, Fareed N, Moffatt-Bruce S, McAlearney AS. Facilitating Organizational Change to Accommodate an Inpatient Portal. Appl Clin Inform 2019; 10:898-908. [PMID: 31777056 DOI: 10.1055/s-0039-1700867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patient portals are becoming more commonly used in the hospital inpatient setting. While the potential benefits of inpatient portals are acknowledged, there is a need for research that examines the challenges of portal implementation and the development of best practice approaches for successful implementation. OBJECTIVE We conducted this study to improve our understanding of the impact of the implementation of an inpatient portal on care team members in the context of a large academic medical center. Our study focused on the perspectives of nursing care team members about the inpatient portal. METHODS We interviewed care team members (n = 437) in four phases throughout the 2 years following implementation of an inpatient portal to learn about their ongoing perspectives regarding the inpatient portal and its impact on the organization. RESULTS The perspectives of care team members demonstrated a change in acceptance of the inpatient portal over time in terms of buy-in, positive workflow changes, and acknowledged benefits of the portal for both care team members and patients. There were also changes over time in perspectives of the care team in regards to (1) challenges with new technology, (2) impact of the portal on workflow, and (3) buy-in. Six strategies were identified as important for implementation success: (1) convene a stakeholder group, (2) offer continual portal training, (3) encourage shared responsibility, (4) identify champions, (5) provide provisioning feedback, and (6) support patient use. CONCLUSION Inpatient portals are recognized as an important tool for both patients and care team members, but the implementation of such a technology can create challenges. Given the perspectives care team members had about the impact of the inpatient portal, our findings suggest implementation requires attention to organizational changes that are needed to accommodate the tool and the development of strategies that can address challenges associated with the portal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel M Walker
- Department of Family Medicine, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States.,Center for the Advancement of Team Science, Analytics, and Systems Thinking (CATALYST), College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States.,Department of Biomedical Informatics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States.,Division of Health Services Management and Policy, College of Public Health, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States
| | - Alice Gaughan
- Center for the Advancement of Team Science, Analytics, and Systems Thinking (CATALYST), College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States
| | - Naleef Fareed
- Center for the Advancement of Team Science, Analytics, and Systems Thinking (CATALYST), College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States.,Department of Biomedical Informatics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States
| | - Susan Moffatt-Bruce
- Center for the Advancement of Team Science, Analytics, and Systems Thinking (CATALYST), College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States.,Department of Biomedical Informatics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States.,Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States
| | - Ann Scheck McAlearney
- Department of Family Medicine, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States.,Center for the Advancement of Team Science, Analytics, and Systems Thinking (CATALYST), College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States.,Department of Biomedical Informatics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States.,Division of Health Services Management and Policy, College of Public Health, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States
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Patient and family engagement in communicating with electronic medical records in hospitals: A systematic review. Int J Med Inform 2019; 134:104036. [PMID: 31835159 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmedinf.2019.104036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2019] [Revised: 11/14/2019] [Accepted: 11/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Use of electronic medical records (EMRs) in hospitals affects how individuals communicate with each other. OBJECTIVE To examine how EMRs mediate communication between inpatients, their families, and health professionals to support patient and family engagement in care. METHODS The following electronic bibliographic databases were searched for relevant studies: Association for Computing Machinery Digital Library, CINAHL, Medline, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PsycInfo, and EMBASE. RESULTS The search identified 850 papers, and of these, 32 met the inclusion criteria. Interactions with the EMR tended to be unidirectional in nature, where health professionals consulted with patients and families to update patient information. Engagement rarely extended to facilitating patient and family participation beyond consultation. There were few examples of patient and family partnership and shared leadership, mainly with secure messaging and use of the patient portal. Strategies that worked in facilitating active engagement involved patients and families employing creative means of gathering information and directing this information to health professionals. Use of such strategies were rare and involved the attributes of particular individuals, rather than considering the inherent culture of clinical settings. CONCLUSION Further research is urgently needed to examine possibilities of patient and family involvement in treatment modalities, and partnership and shared governance in using the EMR.
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