Question

Describe at least three benefits of patient portals and explain why these benefits are important for practice. Be specific and provide examples Explain how patient portals contribute to patient-centered care. Explain how patient portals are changing the nature of the patient provider relationship Explain how patient generated health data can contribute to the continuity, quality, and safety of care.

Answer 1

Benefits of patient portals

· Patient portal is a secure online website that gives patients convenient, 24-hour access to personal health information from anywhere in the world with an internet connection using a secure username and password. It allows one to keep track of his recent doctor visits, test results, prescription, discharge summaries, medications, immunizations, allergies, billing and so on.

For example: If a person is travelling abroad or anywhere and all of a sudden if some medical emergency arises (like stroke or accident), it is possible to access her medical details using these systems from anywhere, which will help in providing prompt and early care.

· Some patient portals also allow users to securely message their doctor for needed support or clarifying doubts, schedule non-urgent appointments, check benefits and coverage, update contact information, make payments, download and complete forms, view educational materials. So they allow patient to take control of their health and care.

For example: In current pandemic of Corona infection when there is high risk of getting infection by contact and everybody is asking for social distancing. These systems are particularly useful specially for those who are having chronic conditions and need regular follow up. It allows them to access care without putting themselves or others at risk of transmission of corona infection.

· Patient portals are less expensive and more convenient for patients. They need not to wait for working hours of physician or a returned phone calls to have basic issues resolved. Many issues are solved through them so unnecessary visits are avoided. It also results in better patient provider relationship. The service is free.

For example- Instead of scheduling an appointment to see physician for a change in medication doses, the patient could ask about it using the patient portal. Using this feature lets one to keep that appointment open for a patient who either has an illness that requires a diagnosis and prescription in-person or one who needs immediate medical care.

· Maintains privacy of information as a password is needed to access personal information.

· If one needs multidisciplinary care by a team of physicians / experts, they all can post results and reminders in a portal. So there is better communication among them as they have access to what other treatments and advice patient is receiving. This lead to better care, coordination and management of your medicines.

· E-mail reminders and alerts help you to remember things like annual check-ups and vaccination due dates, resulting in increased adherence to follow up plans and vaccination rates

· It reduces burden on the facility specially receptionist, nurses by reducing number of unnecessary visits.

Patients portal contribute to patient centered care

Patient-centred care has taken center stage in discussions of quality in provision of healthcare. In patient-centered care, an individual’s specific health needs and desired health outcomes are the driving force behind all health care decisions and quality measurements.

Patient portal systems contribute to patient centered care by adhering to basic principles of patient centered care.

These portals allows patients to take ownership of their health care outside of the doctor’s office. Portals are accessible 24/7 online that let patients schedule appointments, get information about their condition and care instructions, review lab results and doctor’s notes, and pay bills at their convenience.

These portals also represent a shift in the traditional roles of patients and their families from one of passive “order taker” to one of active “team member.

Keeping patient-centeredness in view, as opposed to the traditional hierarchies in health care system where providers or clinicians are the lone authority, patient has full authority on his care and care is customized to his needs by using these systems.

Patient gets detailed information regarding medications, physical limitations, dietary restrictions in understandable terms from patient information resources and have an accessible opportunity to clarify when in doubt, which enhances patient satisfaction, reduces anxiety and fear. Patients also know that they can access care whenever they need 24/7.

In this system there is respect for patients’ values, preferences, autonomy and needs by keeping them completely informed by sharing information about their condition or prognosis involving them in decision making. System also allows for better coordination and integration of care between patient and physician or their team.

Patient experiences better support and less fear and anxiety. It also ensures continuity of care for patient after discharge. Hence patient portal systems provide patient centered care by meeting all basic tenets of patient centered care.

How does patient portal are changing nature of patient provider relationship?

Patient portal systems have challenged the traditional patient provider relationship- where provider was the unquestionable authority and patient was passive receiver. There was one way communication between them as patient was least informed and aware of there condition and test results. There was no active participation from patient side

Patient portal systems have overcome all these barriers by   enabling patients to see their own health data. 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 They gained ownership of their own wellness and are better prepared to interact with their providers about their care.

These systems are designed in such a way which make patient feel more comfortable and valued by the provider. They make it possible to have a continuous ongoing relationship / conversation between patient and provider and after a couple of times, patient feels connected to provider, he has a sense that providers are committed to his health and to ensure that he has good outcomes. Messaging feature further boosts this feeling. It has enhanced patient engagement in care

For many providers patient portal use is also a mean for building trust and enhancing care. Providers are trying to have relationships with these individuals and be able to effectively communicate with that patient through bi-directional messaging, convenient on both sides.

How patient generated data contribute to continuity, safety and quality?

· It does so by:

· Avoiding misinformation by involving various channels between physician and patient, like a nurse or assistant taking the call and then informing physician and again answering the patient. This indirect communication increases chances of misunderstanding.

· Providing a chance to clarify 24/7

· Access to information is protected by a password

· Some systems have use of drug interaction charts so avoid any mistake in prescription of treatment

· Reminders or message alerts for follow up visits and vaccination schedules