Improving the patient experience through patient portals: Insights from experienced portal users

Improving the patient experience through patient portals: Insights from experienced portal users

Blog Article

Background: Tie Back Patient portals have become part of the ecosystem of care as both patients and providers use them for a range of activities both individually and collaboratively.As patients and providers gain greater experience using portals, their use and needs related to portals may evolve.Objective: This study aimed to learn from experienced patient portal users to improve our understanding of their perspectives on portal use for collaboration and engagement as well as explore how using a portal influenced their experiences with primary care providers.Methods: Qualitative study involving 29 semi-structured interviews with family medicine patients from a large Academic Medical Center (AMC).

Interviewees were patients with chronic conditions who had been identified by their providers as experienced portal users.Interview transcripts were analyzed using rigorous qualitative methods.Results: Common themes emerged around both logistical and psychological benefits of portal use.Logistical benefits included increased efficiency, improved ability to track their Miele K37222iD Fully-Integrated Full Height Fridge health information, and better documentation of communications and information during and between office visits.

Psychological benefits were a greater sense of collaboration in care, increased trust in providers, and enhanced engagement in health care activities.Conclusion: Experienced portal users discussed ways in which patient portals improved both their ability to manage their care and their relationships with providers.Frequent users described a sense of collaboration with their providers and greater trust in the relationship.These findings suggest that portal use may be a mechanism through which patients can increase patient engagement and improve the patient experience.