Health literacy and patient web portals. (May 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Coughlin, Steven S.; Stewart, Jessica L.; Young, Lufei; Heboyan, Vahé; De Leo, Gianluca
• Is Part Of: International journal of medical informatics. Volume 113(2018)
• Page Start: 43
• Page End: 48
• Publication Date: 2018-05
• Subjects: Health information technologies -- Health literacy -- Patient engagement -- Patient portals -- Personal health information; Medical informatics -- Periodicals; Information science -- Periodicals; Computers -- Periodicals; Medical technology -- Periodicals; Medical Informatics -- Periodicals; Technology, Medical -- Periodicals; Computers; Information science; Medical informatics; Medical technology; Electronic journals; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 610.285
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmedinf.2018.02.009
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1386-5056

Abstract

Highlights: There is limited evidence about the association between health literacy and use of patient web portals in patients with chronic illnesses. Qualitative studies and studies with a cross-sectional, cohort, or pre-/post-test study design have shown that persons with limited health literacy are less likely to use patient web portals, although not all studies have found an association. Several opportunities exist to improve the usability and acceptability of web portals for patients with limited health literacy including enhancements in the design of the portals, patient and provider education and training, and engagement of proxies such as caregivers and close family members. Studies are needed of use of web portals and adherence with prescribed medications and other forms of treatment by patients with varying levels of health literacy. Abstract: Objectives: There is limited evidence about the association between health literacy and use of patient web portals in patients with chronic illnesses. The objective of this review was to learn more about health literacy and use of patient web portals. Methods: Bibliographic searches were conducted in PubMed and CINAHL using relevant MeSH search terms and Boolean algebra commands. Results: Qualitative studies and studies with a cross-sectional, cohort, or pre-/post-test design have shown that persons with limited health literacy are less likely to use patient web portals, although there is inconsistency in the association across studies. Conclusions: The conflicting findings may be partially due to racial and ethnic differences in health literacy or level of comfort in sharing private health information using mobile technologies. Several opportunities exist to improve the usability and acceptability of web portals for patients with limited health literacy including enhancements in the design of the portals, patient and provider education and training, and engagement of proxies such as caregivers and close family members.