Implementing and Using a Patient Portal: A qualitative exploration of patient and provider perspectives on engaging patients

Abstract

Findings highlight that it is not sufficient to engage patients in the use of a portal; it is critical that patients be engaged in the early stages of implementation. With many health and fitness electronic tools available (e.g. Fitbit©), this study remind us that tools are not enough. Patient engagement requires patient-centred partnerships between patients and health care providers.

Designing a portal to patient-centered care? Let�s start with the patient. A cross-sectional survey. (Preprint)

“…[20,35] findings from a previous study which states that "tools alone are not enough" and engaging patients in the use of a Patient Portal requires a patient-centered approach. [36] Strengths and limitations This study is one of the first to investigate the health information needs of patients on conceptualizing a Patient Portal to access digital health data. In contrast to other studies in this field, that often focus on a functional Patient Portal, we had to start from the very beginning since there was no functional Patient Portal available in Belgium at the time our survey was submitted.…”

In this issue: Realising benefits and that informatics is all about the patient

“…Ryan et al7 explore explanatory reasons for the slow uptake of patient portals. They remind as that just creating a technology has never been a recipe for success.…”

“…We hear about video consulting,4 and an eHealth tool to monitor symptoms in ankylosing spondylitis,5 components of an electronic care plan,6 patient portals,7 and an app to identify cases of airways disease 8…”

Perceptions of adopters versus non-adopters of a patient portal: an application of diffusion of innovation theory

“…In a qualitative study, Ryan et al 13. identified ease of use of the patient portal as a necessary condition for its adoption.…”