1
|
Abdelraheem O, Salama M, Chun S. Impact of digital interventions and online health communities in patient activation: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Int J Med Inform 2024; 188:105481. [PMID: 38776718 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmedinf.2024.105481] [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: 03/14/2024] [Revised: 05/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Study the efficacy of digital health interventions in enhancing patient activation and identify the distinct features of these interventions using the WHO classification system. METHODS Asystematic reviewand meta-analysis were carried out according to the PRISMA guidelines. A search was conducted in Scopus, PubMed, and ProQuest. Randomized controlled trials (RCT), quasi-randomized controlled trials, and before-and-after studies enrolling patients ≥ 18 years of age with the Patient Activation Measure (PAM) score measurement and contain digital intervention with any aspects of health education or health-related behavior were included. The Downs and Black quality assessment tool was used to assess the quality of the articles. RESULTS In the three different types of meta-analyses, implementing the intervention led to a PAM score increase (Mean Difference (M.D.)), ranging from a minimum of (MD = 0.2014, 95 % CI = 0.0871-0.3158) and a highly significant p-value 0.0006 to a maximum of (MD = 2.7882, 95 % CI = 1.5558-4.0206) and a p-value < .0001. While the M.D. score of 0.2014 may seem relatively low, it is enough to elevate the patient from one activation level to a higher one out of the four activation levels. CONCLUSION AND PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS The results suggest the effectiveness of digital health interventions on patient activation across diverse settings and contexts, implying potential generalizability. Using WHO classification, all examined digital interventions addressed the challenges of information, utilization, and efficiency in the health system, but not equity-related challenges. The study recognized online health communities (OHCs) as a subset of digital interventions that enhance patient activation through social support.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Omnia Abdelraheem
- Institute of Global Health and Human Ecology, The American University in Cairo, New Cairo 11835, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Salama
- Institute of Global Health and Human Ecology, The American University in Cairo, New Cairo 11835, Egypt
| | - Sungsoo Chun
- Institute of Global Health and Human Ecology, The American University in Cairo, New Cairo 11835, Egypt.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Tamminen A, Virtanen L, Clemens T, Nadav J, Saukkonen P, Kainiemi E, Heponiemi T, Kaihlanen AM. Perceptions of Finns with chronic diseases about factors affecting their eHealth literacy: A qualitative interview study. Digit Health 2023; 9:20552076231216395. [PMID: 38033516 PMCID: PMC10683406 DOI: 10.1177/20552076231216395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective This study aims to describe the factors related to the individual, the system and their interaction, which can affect eHealth literacy from the perspective of people living with one or multiple chronic diseases. As digital solutions are increasingly used in healthcare, perspectives of patients with chronic diseases must be considered. Methods The study design was a qualitative, descriptive interview study, gathering the insights of people living in Finland with chronic disease. The individual semi-structured interviews (n = 17) were conducted via telephone. The eHealth Literacy Framework was used in the data analysis, with a deductive-inductive approach. Results The range of skills included in the eHealth Literacy Framework was widely applied by participants who described themselves as adept at using eHealth environments to manage health-related needs. The participants evaluated online information and took an active role in self-management of their chronic disease. Most importantly, even participants possessing many of the skills in the eHealth Literacy Framework experienced difficulties in using eHealth environments, and the accessibility of eHealth environments was highlighted. Conclusions eHealth environments could be useful for health promotion and self-management for people with chronic diseases, but only presuming the environments are adapted to their level of eHealth literacy skills.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alisa Tamminen
- Maastricht University, Faculty of Health, Medicine, and Life Sciences, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Lotta Virtanen
- Department of International Health. CAPHRI – Care and Public Health Research Institute, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Timo Clemens
- Department of Public Health and Welfare, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Janna Nadav
- Department of International Health. CAPHRI – Care and Public Health Research Institute, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Petra Saukkonen
- Department of International Health. CAPHRI – Care and Public Health Research Institute, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Emma Kainiemi
- Department of International Health. CAPHRI – Care and Public Health Research Institute, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Tarja Heponiemi
- Department of International Health. CAPHRI – Care and Public Health Research Institute, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Anu-Marja Kaihlanen
- Department of International Health. CAPHRI – Care and Public Health Research Institute, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Mavragani A, Gouw SC, Beestrum M, Cronin RM, Fijnvandraat K, Badawy SM. Patient-Centered Digital Health Records and Their Effects on Health Outcomes: Systematic Review. J Med Internet Res 2022; 24:e43086. [PMID: 36548034 PMCID: PMC9816956 DOI: 10.2196/43086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND eHealth tools such as patient portals and personal health records, also known as patient-centered digital health records, can engage and empower individuals with chronic health conditions. Patients who are highly engaged in their care have improved disease knowledge, self-management skills, and clinical outcomes. OBJECTIVE We aimed to systematically review the effects of patient-centered digital health records on clinical and patient-reported outcomes, health care utilization, and satisfaction among patients with chronic conditions and to assess the feasibility and acceptability of their use. METHODS We searched MEDLINE, Cochrane, CINAHL, Embase, and PsycINFO databases between January 2000 and December 2021. PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines were followed. Eligible studies were those evaluating digital health records intended for nonhospitalized adult or pediatric patients with a chronic condition. Patients with a high disease burden were a subgroup of interest. Primary outcomes included clinical and patient-reported health outcomes and health care utilization. Secondary outcomes included satisfaction, feasibility, and acceptability. Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tools were used for quality assessment. Two reviewers screened titles, abstracts, and full texts. Associations between health record use and outcomes were categorized as beneficial, neutral or clinically nonrelevant, or undesired. RESULTS Of the 7716 unique publications examined, 81 (1%) met the eligibility criteria, with a total of 1,639,556 participants across all studies. The most commonly studied diseases included diabetes mellitus (37/81, 46%), cardiopulmonary conditions (21/81, 26%), and hematology-oncology conditions (14/81, 17%). One-third (24/81, 30%) of the studies were randomized controlled trials. Of the 81 studies that met the eligibility criteria, 16 (20%) were of high methodological quality. Reported outcomes varied across studies. The benefits of patient-centered digital health records were most frequently reported in the category health care utilization on the "use of recommended care services" (10/13, 77%), on the patient-reported outcomes "disease knowledge" (7/10, 70%), "patient engagement" (13/28, 56%), "treatment adherence" (10/18, 56%), and "self-management and self-efficacy" (10/19, 53%), and on the clinical outcome "laboratory parameters," including HbA1c and low-density lipoprotein (LDL; 16/33, 48%). Beneficial effects on "health-related quality of life" were seen in only 27% (4/15) of studies. Patient satisfaction (28/30, 93%), feasibility (15/19, 97%), and acceptability (23/26, 88%) were positively evaluated. More beneficial effects were reported for digital health records that predominantly focus on active features. Beneficial effects were less frequently observed among patients with a high disease burden and among high-quality studies. No unfavorable effects were observed. CONCLUSIONS The use of patient-centered digital health records in nonhospitalized individuals with chronic health conditions is potentially associated with considerable beneficial effects on health care utilization, treatment adherence, and self-management or self-efficacy. However, for firm conclusions, more studies of high methodological quality are required. TRIAL REGISTRATION PROSPERO (International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews) CRD42020213285; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=213285.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Samantha C Gouw
- Department of Pediatric Hematology, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam Reproduction & Development, Public Health, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Molly Beestrum
- Galter Health Sciences Library at Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Robert M Cronin
- Department of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Karin Fijnvandraat
- Department of Pediatric Hematology, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam Reproduction & Development, Public Health, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Molecular Cellular Hemostasis, Sanquin Research and Landsteiner Laboratory, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Sherif M Badawy
- Department of Pediatrics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States.,Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Stem Cell Transplant, Ann and Robert H Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Fitzpatrick M, Sadiq H, Rampam S, Araia A, Miller M, Vargas KR, Fry P, Smith AM, Lowe MM, Catalano C, Harrison C, Catanzaro J, Crawford S, McManus D, Kapoor A. Preventing preventable strokes: A study protocol to push guideline-driven atrial fibrillation patient education via patient portal. CARDIOVASCULAR DIGITAL HEALTH JOURNAL 2022; 3:241-246. [PMID: 36310680 PMCID: PMC9596318 DOI: 10.1016/j.cvdhj.2022.07.068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The main approach to preventing stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) is anticoagulation (AC), but only about 60% of at-risk individuals are on AC. Patient-facing electronic health record–based interventions have produced mixed results. Little is known about the impact of health portal–based messaging on AC use. Objective The purpose of this study was describe a protocol we will use to measure the association between AC use and patient portal message opening. We also will measure patient attitudes toward education materials housed on a professional society Web site. Methods We will send portal messages to patients aged ≥18 years with AF 1 week before an office/teleconference visit with a primary care or cardiology provider. The message will be customized for 3 groups of patients: those on AC; those at elevated risk but off AC; and those not currently at risk but may be at risk in the future. Within the message, we will embed a link to UpBeat.org, a Web site of the Heart Rhythm Society containing patient educational materials. We also will embed a link to a survey. Among other things, the survey will request patients to rate their attitude toward the Heart Rhythm Society Web pages. To measure the effectiveness of the intervention, we will track AC use and its association with message opening, adjusting for potential confounders. Conclusion If we detect an increase in AC use correlates with message opening, we will be well positioned to conduct a future comparative effectiveness trial. If patients rate the UpBeat.org materials highly, patients from other institutions also may benefit from receiving these materials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Fitzpatrick
- Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts
- Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Memorial Health Care, Worcester, Massachusetts
| | - Hammad Sadiq
- Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts
| | - Sanjeev Rampam
- Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts
| | - Almaz Araia
- Department of Practice Improvement and Policy, Heart Rhythm Society, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Megan Miller
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Florida College of Pharmacy, Jacksonville, Florida
| | - Kevin Rivera Vargas
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Florida College of Pharmacy, Jacksonville, Florida
| | - Patrick Fry
- Department of Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine, Jacksonville, Florida
| | - Anne Marie Smith
- Department of Practice Improvement and Policy, Heart Rhythm Society, Washington, District of Columbia
| | | | - Christina Catalano
- Department of Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine, Jacksonville, Florida
| | - Charles Harrison
- Department of Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine, Jacksonville, Florida
| | - John Catanzaro
- Department of Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine, Jacksonville, Florida
| | - Sybil Crawford
- Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts
| | - David McManus
- Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts
- Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Memorial Health Care, Worcester, Massachusetts
| | - Alok Kapoor
- Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts
- Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Memorial Health Care, Worcester, Massachusetts
- Address reprint requests and correspondence: Dr Alok Kapoor, Biotech One, Suite 100, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 365 Plantation St, Worcester, MA 01605.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Huang M, Fan J, Prigge J, Shah ND, Costello BA, Yao L. Characterizing Patient-Clinician Communication in Secure Medical Messages: Retrospective Study. J Med Internet Res 2022; 24:e17273. [PMID: 35014964 PMCID: PMC8790696 DOI: 10.2196/17273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Patient-clinician secure messaging is an important function in patient portals and enables patients and clinicians to communicate on a wide spectrum of issues in a timely manner. With its growing adoption and patient engagement, it is time to comprehensively study the secure messages and user behaviors in order to improve patient-centered care. Objective The aim of this paper was to analyze the secure messages sent by patients and clinicians in a large multispecialty health system at Mayo Clinic, Rochester. Methods We performed message-based, sender-based, and thread-based analyses of more than 5 million secure messages between 2010 and 2017. We summarized the message volumes, patient and clinician population sizes, message counts per patient or clinician, as well as the trends of message volumes and user counts over the years. In addition, we calculated the time distribution of clinician-sent messages to understand their workloads at different times of a day. We also analyzed the time delay in clinician responses to patient messages to assess their communication efficiency and the back-and-forth rounds to estimate the communication complexity. Results During 2010-2017, the patient portal at Mayo Clinic, Rochester experienced a significant growth in terms of the count of patient users and the total number of secure messages sent by patients and clinicians. Three clinician categories, namely “physician—primary care,” “registered nurse—specialty,” and “physician—specialty,” bore the majority of message volume increase. The patient portal also demonstrated growing trends in message counts per patient and clinician. The “nurse practitioner or physician assistant—primary care” and “physician—primary care” categories had the heaviest per-clinician workload each year. Most messages by the clinicians were sent from 7 AM to 5 PM during a day. Yet, between 5 PM and 7 PM, the physicians sent 7.0% (95,785/1,377,006) of their daily messages, and the nurse practitioner or physician assistant sent 5.4% (22,121/408,526) of their daily messages. The clinicians replied to 72.2% (1,272,069/1,761,739) patient messages within 1 day and 90.6% (1,595,702/1,761,739) within 3 days. In 95.1% (1,499,316/1,576,205) of the message threads, the patients communicated with their clinicians back and forth for no more than 4 rounds. Conclusions Our study found steady increases in patient adoption of the secure messaging system and the average workload per clinician over 8 years. However, most clinicians responded timely to meet the patients’ needs. Our study also revealed differential patient-clinician communication patterns across different practice roles and care settings. These findings suggest opportunities for care teams to optimize messaging tasks and to balance the workload for optimal efficiency.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ming Huang
- Department of Artificial Intelligence and Informatics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Jungwei Fan
- Department of Artificial Intelligence and Informatics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States.,Center for the Science of Health Care Delivery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Julie Prigge
- Center for Connected Care, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Nilay D Shah
- Center for the Science of Health Care Delivery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States.,Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Brian A Costello
- Center for Connected Care, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Lixia Yao
- Department of Artificial Intelligence and Informatics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Carini E, Villani L, Pezzullo AM, Gentili A, Barbara A, Ricciardi W, Boccia S. The Impact of Digital Patient Portals on Health Outcomes, System Efficiency, and Patient Attitudes: Updated Systematic Literature Review. J Med Internet Res 2021; 23:e26189. [PMID: 34494966 PMCID: PMC8459217 DOI: 10.2196/26189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Revised: 01/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Patient portals are becoming increasingly popular worldwide even though their impact on individual health and health system efficiency is still unclear. Objective The aim of this systematic review was to summarize evidence on the impact of patient portals on health outcomes and health care efficiency, and to examine user characteristics, attitudes, and satisfaction. Methods We searched the PubMed and Web of Science databases for articles published from January 1, 2013, to October 31, 2019. Eligible studies were primary studies reporting on the impact of patient portal adoption in relation to health outcomes, health care efficiency, and patient attitudes and satisfaction. We excluded studies where portals were not accessible for patients and pilot studies, with the exception of articles evaluating patient attitudes. Results Overall, 3456 records were screened, and 47 articles were included. Among them, 11 studies addressed health outcomes reporting positive results, such as better monitoring of health status, improved patient-doctor interaction, and improved quality of care. Fifteen studies evaluated the impact of digital patient portals on the utilization of health services with mixed results. Patient characteristics were described in 32 studies, and it was reported that the utilization rate usually increases with age and female gender. Finally, 30 studies described attitudes and defined the main barriers (concerns about privacy and data security, and lack of time) and facilitators (access to clinical data and laboratory results) to the use of a portal. Conclusions Evidence regarding health outcomes is generally favorable, and patient portals have the potential to enhance the doctor-patient relationship, improve health status awareness, and increase adherence to therapy. It is still unclear whether the use of patient portals improves health service utilization and efficiency.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elettra Carini
- Section of Hygiene, University Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Leonardo Villani
- Section of Hygiene, University Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Angelo Maria Pezzullo
- Section of Hygiene, University Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Gentili
- Section of Hygiene, University Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Barbara
- Hygiene and Public Health Service, ASL Roma 1, Rome, Italy.,Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Walter Ricciardi
- Section of Hygiene, University Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefania Boccia
- Section of Hygiene, University Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy.,Department of Women, Children and Public Health Sciences - Public Health Area, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Zhang T, Shen N, Booth R, LaChance J, Jackson B, Strudwick G. Supporting the use of patient portals in mental health settings: a scoping review. Inform Health Soc Care 2021; 47:62-79. [PMID: 34032528 DOI: 10.1080/17538157.2021.1929998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
With the increased use of patient portals in acute and chronic care settings as a strategy to support patient care and improve patient-centric care, there is still little known about the impact of patient portals in mental health contexts. The purposes of this review were to: 1) identify the critical success factors for successful patient portal implementation and adoption among end-users that could be utilized in a mental health setting; 2) uncover what we know about existing mental health portals and their effectiveness for end-users; and 3) determine what indicators are being used to evaluate existing patient portals for end-users that may be applied in a mental health context. This scoping review was conducted through a search of six electronic databases including Medline, EMBASE, PsycINFO, and CINAHL for articles published between 2007 and 2021. A total of 31 articles were included in the review. Critical success factors of patient portal implementation included those related to education, usefulness, usability, culture, and resources. Only two patient portals had articles published related to their effectiveness for end-users (one in Canada and the other in the United States). More than 100 measures of process (n = 73) and outcome (n = 59) indicators were extracted from the studies and mapped to the Benefits Evaluation Framework. Patient portals carry great potential to improve patient care, but more attention needs to be given to ensure they are being evaluated through the development and implementation phases with the end-users in mind. Further understanding of process indicators relating to use are essential for long-term patient adoption of portals to obtain their potential benefits.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Timothy Zhang
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Nelson Shen
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Richard Booth
- Arthur Labatt Family School of Nursing, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Jessica LaChance
- Arthur Labatt Family School of Nursing, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Brianna Jackson
- Arthur Labatt Family School of Nursing, Western University, London, ON, Canada.,Yale School of Nursing, Yale University, Orange, Connecticut, USA
| | - Gillian Strudwick
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Mazzella Ebstein AM, Barton-Burke M, Anthony V, Smith A, Zhang Z, Robson M. Oral self-management of palbociclib (Ibrance®) using mobile technology protocol. J Adv Nurs 2021; 77:1556-1566. [PMID: 33245144 PMCID: PMC8454747 DOI: 10.1111/jan.14659] [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: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
AIM This study will test the feasibility and effectiveness of mobile technology intervention on the patients' self-management of oral anticancer medication. Secondary objectives include acceptability, the usefulness of text messages, and satisfaction by participants and nurses. METHODS This prospective two-arm study will recruit patients (N = 220) with metastatic breast cancer and initiating treatment with palbociclib (Ibrance ®). Allowing for attrition, patients will be randomized into the control (N = 100) or intervention (N = 100) group. Unidirectional text message reminders will be sent during the treatment cycle through a secure web application using the patient's smartphone. Self-reported survey responses will be collected at three time points; at consent, end of treatment cycles, and the follow-up clinic visit and include a demographic questionnaire, the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire, Post study questionnaire and the R-15 Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire. Nurses providing care for study patients will complete the Adaptation of Stamps Nurse Workload questionnaire. Data will be analysed an intent-to-treat analysis comparing the two arms. Study approval was obtained in December 2019 and funded in January 2020. DISCUSSION Smartphones are globally available and have text messaging capability which is increasingly being used as an intervention in healthcare studies. This study will test a low-cost, nurse-led intervention that enhances the patient's experience with oral anti-cancer medications, improves access to care, reduces costs, and improves the satisfaction of nurses caring for oncology patients. IMPACT Despite the ease of administering oral anti-cancer medications, oncology patients maynot take them as prescribed and consequently, these factors affect patient outcomes and disease control. Given the importance of taking oral anti-cancer medications and the difficulties patients experience in achieving it, the effective use of mobile technology interventions can actively engage patients in their care and improve medication self-management of anticancer treatment regimens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Margaret Barton-Burke
- Office of Nursing Research, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Venice Anthony
- Breast and Imaging Center, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Andrea Smith
- Breast and Imaging Center, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Zhigang Zhang
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Mark Robson
- Office of Nursing Research, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Ammenwerth E, Neyer S, Hörbst A, Mueller G, Siebert U, Schnell-Inderst P. Adult patient access to electronic health records. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2021; 2:CD012707. [PMID: 33634854 PMCID: PMC8871105 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd012707.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To support patient-centred care, healthcare organisations increasingly offer patients access to data stored in the institutional electronic health record (EHR). OBJECTIVES Primary objective 1. To assess the effects of providing adult patients with access to electronic health records (EHRs) alone or with additional functionalities on a range of patient, patient-provider, and health resource consumption outcomes, including patient knowledge and understanding, patient empowerment, patient adherence, patient satisfaction with care, adverse events, health-related quality of life, health-related outcomes, psychosocial health outcomes, health resource consumption, and patient-provider communication. Secondary objective 1. To assess whether effects of providing adult patients with EHR access alone versus EHR access with additional functionalities differ among patient groups according to age, educational level, or different status of disease (chronic or acute). SEARCH METHODS We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and Scopus in June 2017 and in April 2020. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised controlled trials and cluster-randomised trials of EHR access with or without additional functionalities for adults with any medical condition. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We used standard Cochrane methodological procedures. MAIN RESULTS We included 10 studies with 78 to 4500 participants and follow-up from 3 to 24 months. Nine studies assessed the effects of EHR with additional functionalities, each addressing a subset of outcomes sought by this review. Five studies focused on patients with diabetes mellitus, four on patients with specific diseases, and one on all patients. All studies compared EHR access alone or with additional functionalities plus usual care versus usual care only. No studies assessing the effects of EHR access alone versus EHR access with additional functionalities were identified. Interventions required a variety of data within the EHR, such as patient history, problem list, medication, allergies, and lab results. In addition to EHR access, eight studies allowed patients to share self-documented data, seven offered individualised disease management functions, seven offered educational disease-related information, six supported secure communication, and one offered preventive reminders. Only two studies were at low or unclear risk of bias across domains. Meta-analysis could not be performed, as participants, interventions, and outcomes were too heterogeneous, and most studies presented results based on different adjustment methods or variables. The quality of evidence was rated as low or very low across outcomes. Overall differences between intervention and control groups, if any, were small. The relevance of any small effects remains unclear for most outcomes because in most cases, trial authors did not define a minimal clinically important difference. Overall, results suggest that the effects of EHR access alone and with additional functionalities are mostly uncertain when compared with usual care. Patient knowledge and understanding: very low-quality evidence is available from one study, so we are uncertain about effects of the intervention on patient knowledge about diabetes and blood glucose testing. Patient empowerment: low-quality evidence from three studies suggests that the intervention may have little or no effect on patient empowerment measures. Patient adherence: low-quality evidence from two studies suggests that the intervention may slightly improve adherence to the process of monitoring risk factors and preventive services. Effects on medication adherence are conflicting in two studies; this may or may not improve to a clinically relevant degree. Patient satisfaction with care: low-quality evidence from three studies suggests that the intervention may have little or no effect on patient satisfaction, with conflicting results. Adverse events: two small studies reported on mortality; one of these also reported on serious and other adverse events, but sample sizes were too small for small differences to be detected. Therefore, low-quality evidence suggests that the intervention may have little to no effect on mortality and other adverse events. Health-related quality of life: only very low-quality evidence from one study is available. We are uncertain whether the intervention improves disease-specific quality of life of patients with asthma. Health-related outcomes: low-quality evidence from eight studies suggests that the intervention may have little to no effect on asthma control, glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) levels, blood pressure, low-density lipoprotein or total cholesterol levels, body mass index or weight, or 10-year Framingham risk scores. Low-quality evidence from one study suggests that the composite scores of risk factors for diabetes mellitus may improve slightly with the intervention, but there is uncertainty about effects on ophthalmic medications or intraocular pressure. Psychosocial health outcomes: no study investigated psychosocial health outcomes in a more than anecdotal way. Health resource consumption: low-quality evidence for adult patients in three studies suggests that there may be little to no effect of the intervention on different measures of healthcare use. Patient-provider communication: very low-quality evidence is available from a single small study, and we are uncertain whether the intervention improves communication measures, such as the number of messages sent. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS The effects of EHR access with additional functionalities in comparison with usual care for the most part are uncertain. Only adherence to the process of monitoring risk factors and providing preventive services as well as a composite score of risk factors for diabetes mellitus may improve slightly with EHR access with additional functionalities. Due to inconsistent terminology in this area, our search may have missed relevant studies. As the overall quality of evidence is very low to low, future research is likely to change these results. Further trials should investigate the impact of EHR access in a broader range of countries and clinical settings, including more patients over a longer period of follow-up, as this may increase the likelihood of detecting effects of the intervention, should these exist. More studies should focus on assessing outcomes such as patient empowerment and behavioural outcomes, rather than concentrating on health-related outcomes alone. Future studies should distinguish between effects of EHR access only and effects of additional functionalities, and investigate the impact of mobile EHR tools. Future studies should include information on usage patterns, and consider the potential for widening health inequalities with implementation of EHR access. A taxonomy for EHR access and additional functionalities should be developed to promote consistency and comparability of outcome measures, and facilitate future reviews by better enabling cross-study comparisons.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elske Ammenwerth
- Department of Biomedical Informatics and Mechatronics, UMIT - Private University for Health Sciences, Medical Informatics and Technology, Hall in Tirol, Austria
| | - Stefanie Neyer
- Department of Nursing Science and Gerontology, UMIT - Private University for Health Sciences, Medical Informatics and Technology, Hall in Tirol, Austria
| | - Alexander Hörbst
- Department of Biomedical Informatics and Mechatronics, UMIT - Private University for Health Sciences, Medical Informatics and Technology, Hall in Tirol, Austria
| | - Gerhard Mueller
- Department of Nursing Science and Gerontology, UMIT - Private University for Health Sciences, Medical Informatics and Technology, Hall in Tirol, Austria
| | - Uwe Siebert
- Department of Public Health, Health Services Research and Health Technology Assessment, UMIT - Private University for Health Sciences, Medical Informatics and Technology, Hall in Tirol, Austria
| | - Petra Schnell-Inderst
- Department of Public Health, Health Services Research and Health Technology Assessment, UMIT - Private University for Health Sciences, Medical Informatics and Technology, Hall in Tirol, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Avdagovska M, Menon D, Stafinski T. Capturing the Impact of Patient Portals Based on the Quadruple Aim and Benefits Evaluation Frameworks: Scoping Review. J Med Internet Res 2020; 22:e24568. [PMID: 33289677 PMCID: PMC7755541 DOI: 10.2196/24568] [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: 09/25/2020] [Revised: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Despite extensive and continuing research in the area of patient portals, measuring the impact of patient portals remains a convoluted process. Objective This study aims to explore what is known about patient portal evaluations and to provide recommendations for future endeavors. The focus is on mapping the measures used to assess the impact of patient portals on the dimensions of the Quadruple Aim (QA) framework and the Canada Health Infoway’s Benefits Evaluation (BE) framework. Methods A scoping review was conducted using the methodological framework of Arksey and O’Malley. Reporting was guided by the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses) extension for scoping reviews. A systematic and comprehensive search was conducted using the Ovid platform, and the following databases were searched: Ovid MEDLINE (R) ALL (including epub ahead of print, in-process, and other nonindexed citations), EMBASE, and PsycINFO. CINAHL on the EBSCO platform and Web of Science were searched for studies published between March 2015 and June 2020. A systematic gray literature search was conducted using the Google search engine. Extracted data were tabulated based on a coding template developed to categorize the literature into themes and areas of interest. Results A total of 96 studies were included for data extraction. The studies were categorized based on the QA dimensions, with strict adherence to the definitions for each dimension. From the patients’ perspective, it was determined that most evaluations focused on benefits and barriers to access, access to test results, medication adherence, condition management, medical notes, and secure messaging. From the population perspective, the evaluations focused on the increase in population outreach, decrease in disparities related to access to care services, and improvement in quality of care. From the health care workforce perspective, the evaluations focused on the impact of patients accessing medical records, impact on workflow, impact of bidirectional secure messaging, and virtual care. From the health system perspective, the evaluations focused on decreases in no-show appointments, impact on office visits and telephone calls, impact on admission and readmission rates and emergency department visits, and impact on health care use. Overall, 77 peer-reviewed studies were mapped on the expanded version of the BE framework. The mapping was performed using subdimensions to create a more precise representation of the areas that are currently explored when studying patient portals. Most of the studies evaluated more than one subdimension. Conclusions The QA and BE frameworks provide guidance in identifying gaps in the current literature by providing a way to show how an impact was assessed. This study highlights the need to appropriately plan how the impact will be assessed and how the findings will be translated into effective adaptations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Melita Avdagovska
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Devidas Menon
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Tania Stafinski
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
van Kuppenveld SI, van Os-Medendorp H, Tiemessen NA, van Delden JJ. Real-Time Access to Electronic Health Record via a Patient Portal: Is it Harmful? A Retrospective Observational Study. J Med Internet Res 2020; 22:e13622. [PMID: 32044753 PMCID: PMC7055752 DOI: 10.2196/13622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2019] [Revised: 09/18/2019] [Accepted: 10/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The rapid implementation of patient portals, through which patients can view their electronic health record, creates possibilities for information exchange and communication between patients and health care professionals. However, real-time disclosure of test results and clinical reports poses a source of concern. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to examine negative experiences resulting from real-time disclosure of medical information through a patient portal. METHODS Data were collected over a 2-year period in 4 datasets consisting of incidents reported by health care professionals, complaints of patients, patient issues at a portal helpdesk, and a survey among health care professionals. Incidents, complaints, issues, and answers on the survey were counted and analyzed through an iterative process of coding. RESULTS Within the chosen time frame of 2 years, on average, 7978 patients per month logged into the portal at least once. The amount of negative incidents and complaints was limited. A total of 6 incidents, 4 complaints, and 2506 issues at the helpdesk concerning the patient portal were reported, of which only 2, 1, and 3 cases of these respective databases concerned real-time disclosure of medical information through the patient portal. Moreover, 32 out of 216 health care professionals reported patients that had negative experiences with real-time disclosure. Most negative consequences concerned confused and anxious patients when confronted with unexpected or incomprehensible results. CONCLUSIONS Real-time access through a patient portal did not substantially result in negative consequences. The negative consequences that did occur can be mitigated by adequate preparation and instruction of patients concerning the various functionalities of the patient portal, real-time disclosure of test results in particular, and can also be managed through educating health care professionals about the patient portal and making adjustments in the daily practice of health care professionals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Harmieke van Os-Medendorp
- University Medical Center Utrecht, Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Saxion University of Applied Sciences, School of Health, Deventer/Enschede, Netherlands
| | - Nicole Am Tiemessen
- University Medical Center Utrecht, Department Information Technology, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Johannes Jm van Delden
- University Medical Center Utrecht, Department of Medical Humanities, Julius Center, Utrecht, Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Mold F, Hendy J, Lai YL, de Lusignan S. Electronic Consultation in Primary Care Between Providers and Patients: Systematic Review. JMIR Med Inform 2019; 7:e13042. [PMID: 31793888 PMCID: PMC6918214 DOI: 10.2196/13042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2018] [Revised: 06/11/2019] [Accepted: 08/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Governments and health care providers are keen to find innovative ways to deliver care more efficiently. Interest in electronic consultation (e-consultation) has grown, but the evidence of benefit is uncertain. Objective This study aimed to assess the evidence of delivering e-consultation using secure email and messaging or video links in primary care. Methods A systematic review was conducted on the use and application of e-consultations in primary care. We searched 7 international databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, PsycINFO, EconLit, and Web of Science; 1999-2017), identifying 52 relevant studies. Papers were screened against a detailed inclusion and exclusion criteria. Independent dual data extraction was conducted and assessed for quality. The resulting evidence was synthesized using thematic analysis. Results This review included 57 studies from a range of countries, mainly the United States (n=30) and the United Kingdom (n=13). There were disparities in uptake and utilization toward more use by younger, employed adults. Patient responses to e-consultation were mixed. Patients reported satisfaction with services and improved self-care, communication, and engagement with clinicians. Evidence for the acceptability and ease of use was strong, especially for those with long-term conditions and patients located in remote regions. However, patients were concerned about the privacy and security of their data. For primary health care staff, e-consultation delivers challenges around time management, having the correct technological infrastructure, whether it offers a comparable standard of clinical quality, and whether it improves health outcomes. Conclusions E-consultations may improve aspects of care delivery, but the small scale of many of the studies and low adoption rates leave unanswered questions about usage, quality, cost, and sustainability. We need to improve e-consultation implementation, demonstrate how e-consultations will not increase disparities in access, provide better reassurance to patients about privacy, and incorporate e-consultation as part of a manageable clinical workflow.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Freda Mold
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom
| | - Jane Hendy
- Brunel Business School, Brunel University London, Uxbridge, United Kingdom
| | - Yi-Ling Lai
- Faculty of Business and Law, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, United Kingdom
| | - Simon de Lusignan
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Science, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
McCleary NJ, Greenberg TL, Barysauskas CM, Guerette EJ, Hassan M, Jacobson JO, Schrag D. Oncology Patient Portal Enrollment at a Comprehensive Cancer Center: A Quality Improvement Initiative. J Oncol Pract 2019; 14:e451-e461. [PMID: 30096276 DOI: 10.1200/jop.17.00008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Patient portals (PPs) provide patients access to their electronic health record and may facilitate active engagement in their care. Because PP use has not been well studied among patients with cancer, we sought to: understand the willingness of patients with cancer to use the PP, identify barriers to PP use, and improve PP accessibility. MATERIALS AND METHODS As part of an institutional quality improvement initiative, we used a stakeholder-driven approach to examine PP use at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (Boston, MA). We conducted a survey across all ambulatory oncology practices as well as staff and patient focus groups in one ambulatory practice. We deployed three interventions to address barriers: staff education, staff-assisted enrollment support, and independent enrollment support. RESULTS In October 2015, 1,019 (87%) of 1,178 eligible patients completed the survey (PP enrolled, 57%; non-PP enrolled, 43%). PP-enrolled patients reported reviewing test results and appointment schedules. Non-PP-enrolled patients cited difficult PP enrollment, lack of computer access, and concern about sharing data electronically as barriers to PP enrollment. Focus groups (staff, n = 20; patient representatives, n = 5) also identified lack of awareness of PP benefits as a barrier. The interventions, deployed from November to December 2015, increased PP enrollment from 47% to 53% by January 2016. CONCLUSION Patients with cancer want to communicate with their team through the PP, but barriers to enrollment impede use. Straightforward system-level interventions may increase enrollment. Further work is necessary to ascertain the degree to which increased PP enrollment leads to greater engagement and better outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nadine J McCleary
- Dana-Farber/Partners Cancer Care; and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
| | - Teresa L Greenberg
- Dana-Farber/Partners Cancer Care; and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
| | | | - Elissa J Guerette
- Dana-Farber/Partners Cancer Care; and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
| | - Malyun Hassan
- Dana-Farber/Partners Cancer Care; and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
| | - Joseph O Jacobson
- Dana-Farber/Partners Cancer Care; and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
| | - Deborah Schrag
- Dana-Farber/Partners Cancer Care; and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Metting E, Schrage AJ, Kocks JW, Sanderman R, van der Molen T. Assessing the Needs and Perspectives of Patients With Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease on Patient Web Portals: Focus Group Study. JMIR Form Res 2018; 2:e22. [PMID: 30684436 PMCID: PMC6334706 DOI: 10.2196/formative.8822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2017] [Revised: 04/27/2018] [Accepted: 06/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND As accessibility to the internet has increased in society, many health care organizations have developed patient Web portals (PWPs), which can provide a range of self-management options to improve patient access. However, the available evidence suggests that they are used inefficiently and do not benefit patients with low health literacy. Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are common chronic diseases that require ongoing self-management. Moreover, patients with COPD are typically older and have lower health literacy. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to obtain and present an overview of patients' perspectives of PWPs to facilitate the development of a portal that better meets the needs of patients with asthma and COPD. METHODS We performed a focus group study using semistructured interviews in 3 patient groups from the north of the Netherlands who were recruited through the Dutch Lung Foundation. Each group met 3 times for 2 hours each at a 1-week interval. Data were analyzed with coding software, and patient descriptors were analyzed with nonparametric tests. The consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research were followed when conducting the study. RESULTS We included 29 patients (16/29, 55% male; mean age 65 [SD 10] years) with COPD (n=14), asthma-COPD overlap (n=4), asthma (n=10), or other respiratory disease (n=1). There was a large variation in the internet experience; some patients hardly used the internet (4/29, 14%), whereas others used internet >3 times a week (23/29, 79%). In general, patients were positive about having access to a PWP, considering access to personal medical records as the most important option, though only after discussion with their physician. A medication overview was considered a useful option. We found that communication between health care professionals could be improved if patients could use the PWP to share information with their health care professionals. However, as participants were worried about the language and usability of portals, it was recommended that language should be adapted to the patient level. Another concern was that disease monitoring through Web-based questionnaire use would only be useful if the results were discussed with health care professionals. CONCLUSIONS Participants were positive about PWPs and considered them a logical step. Today, most patients tend to be better educated and have internet access, while also being more assertive and better informed about their disease. A PWP could support these patients. Our participants also provided practical suggestions for implementation in current and future PWP developments. The next step will be to develop a portal based on these recommendations and assess whether it meets the needs of patients and health care providers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Esther Metting
- Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD, Department of General Practice and Elderly Care Medicine, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Aaltje Jantine Schrage
- Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD, Department of General Practice and Elderly Care Medicine, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Janwillem Wh Kocks
- Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD, Department of General Practice and Elderly Care Medicine, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Robbert Sanderman
- GZW-Health Psychology-GZW-General, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands.,Department of Psychology, Health & Technology, Faculty of Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences, University of Twente, Enschede, Netherlands
| | - Thys van der Molen
- Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD, Department of General Practice and Elderly Care Medicine, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Hoogenbosch B, Postma J, de Man-van Ginkel JM, Tiemessen NA, van Delden JJ, van Os-Medendorp H. Use and the Users of a Patient Portal: Cross-Sectional Study. J Med Internet Res 2018; 20:e262. [PMID: 30224334 PMCID: PMC6231740 DOI: 10.2196/jmir.9418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2017] [Revised: 03/05/2018] [Accepted: 06/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Patient portals offer patients access to their medical information and tools to communicate with health care providers. It has been shown that patient portals have the potential to positively impact health outcomes and efficiency of health care. It is therefore important that health care organizations identify the patients who use or do not use the patient portal and explore the reasons in either case. The Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) is a frequently used theory for explaining the use of information technology. It consists of the following constructs: performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, facilitating conditions, and behavioral intention to use. Objective This study aimed to explore the prevalence of patient portal use and the characteristics of patients who use or do not use a patient portal. The main constructs of UTAUT, together with demographics and disease- and care-related characteristics, have been measured to explore the predictive factors of portal use. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in the outpatient departments for adult patients of a university hospital in the Netherlands. Following outcomes were included: self-reported portal use, characteristics of users such as demographics, disease- and care-related data, eHealth literacy (modified score), and scores of UTAUT constructs. Descriptive analyses and univariate and multivariate logistic regression were also conducted. Results In the analysis, 439 adult patients were included. Furthermore, 32.1% (141/439) identified as being a user of the patient portal; 31.2% (137/439) indicated as nonusers, but being aware of the existence of the portal; and 36.6% (161/439) as being nonusers not aware of the existence of the portal. In the entire study population, the factors of being chronically ill (odds ratio, OR 1.62, 95% CI 1.04-2.52) and eHealth literacy (modified score; OR 1.12, 95% CI 1.07-1.18) best predicted portal use. In users and nonusers who were aware of the portal, UTAUT constructs were added to the multivariate logistic regression, with chronically ill and modified eHealth literacy sum score. Effort expectancy (OR 13.02, 95% CI 5.68-29.87) and performance expectancy (OR 2.84, 95% CI 1.65-4.90) are shown to significantly influence portal use in this group. Conclusions Approximately one-third of the patients of a university hospital self-reported using the patient portal; most expressed satisfaction. At first sight, being chronically ill and higher scores on the modified eHealth literacy scale explained portal use. Adding UTAUT constructs to the model revealed that effort expectancy (ease of use and knowledge and skills related to portal use) and performance expectancy (perceived usefulness) influenced portal use. Interventions to improve awareness of the portal and eHealth literacy skills of patients and further integration of the patient portal in usual face-to-face care are needed to increase use and potential subsequent patient benefits.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bas Hoogenbosch
- Department of Information Technology, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Jeroen Postma
- Erasmus School of Health Policy and Management, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | | | - Nicole Am Tiemessen
- Department of Information Technology, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Johannes Jm van Delden
- Julius Centre for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
|
17
|
Woods SS, Forsberg CW, Schwartz EC, Nazi KM, Hibbard JH, Houston TK, Gerrity M. The Association of Patient Factors, Digital Access, and Online Behavior on Sustained Patient Portal Use: A Prospective Cohort of Enrolled Users. J Med Internet Res 2017; 19:e345. [PMID: 29042345 PMCID: PMC5663951 DOI: 10.2196/jmir.7895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2017] [Revised: 07/13/2017] [Accepted: 07/31/2017] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND As electronic health records and computerized workflows expand, there are unprecedented opportunities to digitally connect with patients using secure portals. To realize the value of patient portals, initial reach across populations will need to be demonstrated, as well as sustained usage over time. OBJECTIVE The study aim was to identify patient factors associated with short-term and long-term portal usage after patients registered to access all portal functions. METHODS We prospectively followed a cohort of patients at a large Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care facility who recently completed identity proofing to use the VA patient portal. Information collected at baseline encompassed patient factors potentially associated with portal usage, including: demographics, Internet access and use, health literacy, patient activation, and self-reported health conditions. The primary outcome was the frequency of portal log-ins during 6-month and 18-month time intervals after study enrollment. RESULTS A total of 270 study participants were followed prospectively. Almost all participants (260/268, 97.0%) reported going online, typically at home (248/268, 92.5%). At 6 months, 84.1% (227/270) of participants had visited the portal, with some variation in usage across demographic and health-related subgroups. There were no significant differences in portal log-ins by age, gender, education, marital status, race/ethnicity, distance to a VA facility, or patient activation measure. Significantly higher portal usage was seen among participants using high-speed broadband at home, greater self-reported ability using the Internet, and routinely going online. By 18 months, 91% participants had logged in to the portal, and no significant associations were found between usage and demographics, health status, or patient activation. When examining portal activity between 6 and 18 months, patients who were infrequent or high portal users remained in those categories, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Short-term and long-term portal usage was associated with having broadband at home, high self-rated ability when using the Internet, and overall online behavior. Digital inclusion, or ready access to the Internet and digital skills, appears to be a social determinant in patient exposure to portal services.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Susan S Woods
- VA Maine Healthcare System, Augusta, ME, United States.,VA Portland Health Care System, Center to Improve Veteran Involvement in Care, Portland, OR, United States.,Connected Care Office, Veterans Health Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Christopher W Forsberg
- VA Portland Health Care System, Center to Improve Veteran Involvement in Care, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Erin C Schwartz
- VA Portland Health Care System, Center to Improve Veteran Involvement in Care, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Kim M Nazi
- Connected Care Office, Veterans Health Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Judith H Hibbard
- Health Policy Research Group, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, United States
| | - Thomas K Houston
- Bedford VA Medical Center, Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research, Bedford, MA, United States
| | - Martha Gerrity
- VA Portland Health Care System, Center to Improve Veteran Involvement in Care, Portland, OR, United States
| |
Collapse
|