Using Patient Portals to Improve Patient Outcomes: Systematic Review

Abstract

An examination of nine hospitals that recently implemented a comprehensive electronic health record (EHR) system finds that clinical and administrative leaders built EHR adoption into their strategic plans to integrate inpatient and outpatient care and provide a continuum of coordinated services. Successful implementation depended on: strong leadership, full involvement of clinical staff in design and implementation, mandatory staff training, and strict adherence to timeline and budget. The EHR systems facilitate patient safety and quality improvement through: use of checklists, alerts, and predictive tools; embedded clinical guidelines that promote standardized, evidence-based practices; electronic prescribing and test-ordering that reduces errors and redundancy; and discrete data fields that foster use of performance dashboards and compliance reports. Faster, more accurate communication and streamlined processes have led to improved patient flow, fewer duplicative tests, faster responses to patient inquiries, redeployment of transcription and claims staff, more complete capture of charges, and federal incentive payments.

Information Access and Use by Patients With Cancer and Their Friends and Family: Development of a Grounded Theory

“…In contrast, when there is little standardization, specific management details, such as which clinicians will be involved, the treatments that will likely be offered, or the timing of these treatments, may quickly become inaccurate or unreliable, resulting in confusion and distress for individuals using those details to plan their lives. In addition to standardization, internet-based patient portals, which connect patients with cancer to their health care data such as consultation reports, imaging, laboratory values, and informational support, are being established at an increasing number of cancer centers [ 66 , 72 - 74 ]. This also supports that clinical integration of online informational resources delivering high-quality CRD is possible.…”

Towards eHealth to support the health journey of headache patients: a scoping review

“…In countries where electronic health records are installed, the use of such portals is rapidly increasing [29]. Empowering patients with their own health data can cause some anxiety, but it also improves health education and awareness [30]. Teleconsultations and monitoring are more advance digital technique to replace current out-patient clinic visits.…”

The development of an epilepsy electronic patient portal: Facilitating both patient empowerment and remote clinician‐patient interaction in a post‐COVID‐19 world

“…22 ePortal intervention is associated with improved psychobehavioral patient outcomes (eg, health knowledge, self-efficacy, medication adherence, and preventative health service utilization), although mixed effects on clinical outcomes such as blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose, and weight loss are reported. 15,[23][24] ePortal access is sending a message of inclusivity. 6 Patients report that accessing clinic notes via an ePortal provides an aide memoir, 18 helps build confidence in their healthcare provider, 25,26 and allows them to act as safety partners as they can validate the content of their healthcare record.…”

“…Examples include supporting the coordination of care for patients transitioning from pediatric to adult services 21 or continuity of care between hospital‐based and community settings 22 . ePortal intervention is associated with improved psychobehavioral patient outcomes (eg, health knowledge, self‐efficacy, medication adherence, and preventative health service utilization), although mixed effects on clinical outcomes such as blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose, and weight loss are reported 15,23–24 . ePortal access is sending a message of inclusivity 6 .…”