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DOI: 10.4338/ACI-2016-12-RA-0204
Patient portal readiness among postpartum patients in a safety net setting
Publication History
04 December 2016
21 April 2017
Publication Date:
20 December 2017 (online)
![](https://www.thieme-connect.de/media/10.1055-s-00035026/201703/lookinside/thumbnails/10-4338-aci-2016-12-ra-0204-1.jpg)
Summary
Background: Maternity patients interact with the healthcare system over an approximately ten-month interval, requiring multiple visits, acquiring pregnancy-specific education, and sharing health information among providers. Many features of a web-based patient portal could help pregnant women manage their interactions with the healthcare system; however, it is unclear whether pregnant women in safety-net settings have the resources, skills or interest required for portal adoption.
Objectives: In this study of postpartum patients in a safety net hospital, we aimed to: (1) determine if patients have the technical resources and skills to access a portal, (2) gain insight into their interest in health information, and (3) identify the perceived utility of portal features and potential barriers to adoption.
Methods: We developed a structured questionnaire to collect demographics from postpartum patients and measure use of technology and the internet, self-reported literacy, interest in health information, awareness of portal functions, and perceived barriers to use. The questionnaire was administered in person to women in an inpatient setting.
Results: Of the 100 participants surveyed, 95% reported routine internet use and 56% used it to search for health information. Most participants had never heard of a patient portal, yet 92% believed that the portal functions were important. The two most appealing functions were to check results and manage appointments.
Conclusions: Most participants in this study have the required resources such as a device and familiarity with the internet to access a patient portal including an interest in interacting with a healthcare institution via electronic means. Pregnancy is a critical episode of care where active engagement with the healthcare system can influence outcomes. Healthcare systems and portal developers should consider ways to tailor a portal to address the specific health needs of a maternity population including those in a safety net setting.
Citation: Wieland D, Gibeau A, Dewey C, Roshto M, Frankel H. Patient portal readiness among postpartum patients in a safety net setting. Appl Clin Inform 2017; 8: 698–709 https://doi.org/10.4338/ACI-2016-12-RA-0204
Keywords
Patient portal - patient engagement - prenatal care - meaningful use - electronic medical recordsProtection of Human Subjects
This study was approved by the Albert Einstein College of Medicine Institutional Review Board and given exempt status.
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