patient age and patient portal usage

Similarly, the researchers found that age played a significant factor in patient portal use and adoption. Those patients age 70 to 79 were far less likely to adopt the patient portal compared to their counterparts age 65 to 70.

Full Answer

How old should a patient be to use a patient portal?

After all, a 65-year-old patient who is comfortable using technology is likely to still be comfortable by the time they’re 66. Patient portal adoption also reveals a notable phenomenon – patients who are sicker are more likely to engage with their portals.

Are patient portals and electronic personal health records better for older adults?

Patient portals and electronic personal health records (ePHRs) are technologies that could better serve populations with the highest health care needs, such as older adults. Objective

What do patient portal users think about patient portals?

The majority of patient portal users made positive comments about the specific portal they used. Easy access to health information, more direct communication with providers, and the ability to make appointments online were cited as valued features.

How long do older adults use online portals?

There were 2 papers [19,24] that looked at older adult portal use through a cohort study design, examining log-in data and uses of the portal over the course of a year [19] and almost 3 years [24]. However, other papers examined average length of use of the portals.

What percent of patients use patient portals?

Nearly 40 percent of individuals nationwide accessed a patient portal in 2020 – this represents a 13 percentage point increase since 2014.

What is the purpose of a patient portal?

A patient portal is a secure online website that gives patients convenient, 24-hour access to personal health information from anywhere with an Internet connection. Using a secure username and password, patients can view health information such as: Recent doctor visits. Discharge summaries.

Why do patients not use patient portals?

The researchers found no demographic differences among nonusers who said that a technology hurdle, lack of internet access or no online medical record was the reason why they did not make use of a patient portal.

What are two advantages of having a patient portal system?

By giving patients online access, staff can be freed up from scheduling appointments, writing down refill needs, and answer questions about referrals. Not to mention reporting on lab results and taking messages for physicians.

What are the different types of patient portals?

There are two main types of patient portals: a standalone system and an integrated service. Integrated patient portal software functionality usually comes as a part of an EMR system, an EHR system or practice management software. But at their most basic, they're simply web-based tools.

What are the disadvantages of patient portals?

Even though they should improve communication, there are also disadvantages to patient portals....Table of ContentsGetting Patients to Opt-In.Security Concerns.User Confusion.Alienation and Health Disparities.Extra Work for the Provider.Conclusion.

What are the pros and cons of patient portals?

What are the Top Pros and Cons of Adopting Patient Portals?Pro: Better communication with chronically ill patients.Con: Healthcare data security concerns.Pro: More complete and accurate patient information.Con: Difficult patient buy-in.Pro: Increased patient ownership of their own care.

Who uses the patient portal?

Overwhelmingly, patients use the portal to view their lab results (85 percent). Sixty-two percent of patients are also using the tool for more clinical tasks, such as scheduling appointments, completing paperwork, and refilling prescriptions.

Do patients like patient portals?

Eight studies reported that patients or their caregivers want more portal education, training, or support. Two studies found that their participants want human connection as they learn about the portal and how to use it, as well as when they encounter issues.

Are patient portals effective?

Engaging patients in the delivery of health care has the potential to improve health outcomes and patient satisfaction. Patient portals may enhance patient engagement by enabling patients to access their electronic medical records (EMRs) and facilitating secure patient-provider communication.

What are the advantages of patient portals to the patient and to the healthcare facility?

They appreciate the direct communication with providers. They appreciate the ability to ask questions in-between visits and convenience of requesting medication and referrals online. Some patients have told them they selected PHMG (and “fired” their other providers) in part because of the availability of the portal.

How do patient portals contribute to patient centered care?

Further, portals help providers educate their patients and prepare them for future care encounters. When patients have access to their health data, they are better informed, and have the potential to generate deep and meaningful conversations regarding patient wellness during doctor's appointments.

How old are Portal users?

Portal users ranged in age from 61 to 93 years , and most lived independently in a private residence (60%) and had college education or higher (67%). Although portal nonusers were similar in age, fewer were college educated (53%) and more lived in retirement or assisted living facilities (74%).

How do patient portals empower consumers?

When used effectively, patient portals can empower consumers by enabling active management of their own care. However, we know little about how patient portal use fits into the broader personal health information management (PHIM) practices of various groups, such as older adults.

Why is it important to understand consumer health information?

Important to the success of the consumer health movement is accurate, accessible, and understandable health information to assist with treatment and health decisions . Older adults are the largest consumers of health care and expend the greatest proportion of US health care dollars.

How old are people who use portals?

Older adults are still struggling to use patient portals to engage with their healthcare providers, according to a survey conducted in March 2018 by the University of Michigan and AARP of 2,013 adults ages 50 to 80 years.

Do older adults prefer to communicate with healthcare providers?

The survey found that many older adults still prefer to communication with healthcare providers via phone and other traditional devices. Nearly half reported that communication by phone was a better way to explain their request, and 36% say that they get a quicker response via phone.