A study of patient portal utilization was conducted at a not-for-profit healthcare system in Northern Virginia. The healthcare system serves more than 2 million people each year. The encounters with the portal included 461 700 different patients occurring between July 2014 and June 2015. Univariate analysis and multivariable logistic regression indicated associations between patient portal activation and predictive factors. Multiple findings emerged: patient portal activation was greater for English-speaking patients; differences in portal activation were observed by patient age; and patients who had an identified primary care provider were more likely to use the portal. The implications were that patients who have limited English skills and have economic challenges may be less engaged. This review demonstrates the importance of understanding the population using a patient portal and provides insight for future development on how to engage patients to interact with their providers through the portals.

New and emerging technologies in healthcare incorporate big data and artificial intelligence analytics change every day. With the continued integration of technology into healthcare, we need more Nursing Informatics (NI) leaders. To identify actionable steps emerging NI leaders can take to mature, we conducted a website scan of eight professional organizations and two interviews with nurse leaders who have experience in those organizations. This article discusses nursing informatics and nursing leadership, and we describe our study methods and findings. Based on our study results, we provide specific recommendations for emerging NI leaders, such as obtaining training or education, seeking mentorship, building a network, cultivating confidence, and being active in professional organizations. Engaging in self-reflection and self-assessment can assist new and emerging NI leaders to prioritize actions they can take to mature in this nursing specialty.

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Inclusion of nursing information within the HIT system Communicating a system and nursing vision about the benefits of HIT Ability to ensure that nursing values/requirements are represented in HIT selection and evaluation Budgeting using technology Data-based planning and decision making through the utilization and synthesis of HIT system data Ability to collaborate with other departments regarding project management and resource allocation for HIT system implementation Ability to collaborate with chief medical officer peers related to HIT and needs of nurses and physicians Ability to collaborate with interprofessional teams in the HIT selection process Ability to advocate for the development (or purchase) and use of integrated, cost-effective HIT systems within the organization Ability to involve frontline staff in the evaluation of HIT systems related to their practice The survey was not completed for organization 8.