Question

Write a two page paper discussing the use of patient portals. Why is a patient portal important? How is the patient portal is empowering? Are there any concerns in using a patient portal?

Answer 1

Importance of Patient portal :

Patient portal is a secure online website or application for Patients that enable them to communicate with thier health care providers, review their health information, ask questions and strengthen the physician- patient relationship. Patient can enter to the portal by using a Username and password . The benefits of Patient portals are:

* 24 hrs access to Healthcare Provider

* can review the previous health information

* can ask and clarify doubts

* reducing the incidents of forgetting the appointments

* availability of news related to health and health IT.

* Increases the patient's active participation in care.

* enable the patient to read lab results

* Enable the patient for payment and scheduling the appointment.

Patient empowerment:

Patient portal can empower the patient through 24 hrs easy acess to their health data. It fuels patient empowerment by making the patient actively participating in his own care. Use of a secure Username and password ensures the restrictions of unauthorised entry to the patient portal. Patient can not only schedule an appointment but also can request for ' refilling of medication ' . Remainder mails can enable the patient to remember about follow ups and appointments. Patient also feel empowered by providing a secure feedback to the health care provider through feedback tool, that can be confidential also. Many studies showed the increased rate of Patient satisfaction due to the use of Patient portal.

Concerns in using Patient portal:

* Even though patient portal is protected by different safeguards, such as secure username and Password, there are chances of hacking the sites by online hackers. The data may not be safe in the patient portal, if the patient or the healthcare provider is not employing certain safety tips., such as secured connection.

* Reduced patient buy-in : Making the patient to buy- in the patient portal is becoming quite difficult . Health care Organizations find it difficult to convince the patient to use the patient portal. Some are supporting it but some others are reluctant to use it. Doctors can reinforce their patients to use patient portal and the communication through that.