This systematic review describes characteristics of portal users and their perceptions of this emerging technology. Recent empirical evidence (2010-2016) was reviewed to answer three questions: (1) What are the characteristics of electronic patient portal users? (2) What are patient-perceived facilitators of electronic patient portal use? (3) What are patient-perceived barriers to electronic patient portal use? Characteristics of portal users are described according to three broad categories: demographic characteristics, patterns of use, and complexity and duration of disease. Three themes were found related to patient-perceived facilitators of use: provider encouragement, access/control over health information, and enhanced communication; two themes were found related to patient-perceived barriers to use: lack of awareness/training and privacy and security concerns. Understanding a patient's perception of technology is paramount in optimizing use. These insights will allow for development of better products and clinical processes that facilitate broad goals of improved use of information technology. Policy and practice implications are discussed, as well as suggestions for future research.

Emotional intelligence (EI) is necessary for the development of interpersonal and professional competence in nurses. We argue that the concept of emotional intelligence has particular relevance for mental health nursing leadership. In this critique, we examine the recent empirical evidence (2010-2014) related to emotional intelligence, in general, and nursing, specifically. Correlations between emotional intelligence and better overall health, increased work satisfaction, higher spiritual well-being, and decreased risk of job burnout are noted. We offer suggestions for mental health nurse leaders in developing successful project management teams and improving retention of current leaders. We also provide suggestions for future research.

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Objective To explore predictors of portal use by patients (registered portal users) with multiple chronic conditions according to demographic characteristics and use of specific features hypothesized to support self-management. Methods Two data sources were used in this analysis: electronic health records and 12 months of data from web server log files. Patients ( n = 500) included in the analysis were 45 years or older, registered portal users, and diagnosed with at least two chronic conditions. We fit a negative binomial regression model to predict portal use (number of logins) based on practice size and location, demographic characteristics, and use of specific portal features (secure messaging and patient-entered data). Results Among patients with one or more logins, age, distance separating the patient from his or her primary care provider, and having a diagnosis of heart failure were significant predictors of portal use ( p < .05). No significant differences in portal use were found according to gender, ethnicity, or practice size and location. Conclusion Considering the extraordinary investment on implementation and meaningful use of portal technology, low overall use and the large number of registered non-users is especially troubling. Regardless, our results demonstrate potential opportunities to leverage portal technology especially for patients living in rural and underserved areas to improve self-management of chronic illness.