Providers' Perceptions and Current Knowledge About Patient Portal Use in a Primary Care Clinic in Wyoming

Abstract

Background: Chronic disease is a growing problem in the United States and in Wyoming. It is associated with increased costs and increased morbidity and mortality. Technologies such as patient health portals have been shown to improve patient outcomes. Objective: The objective is to promote future use of the patient portal as a tool to improve chronic disease management by identifying opportunities to increase their use. Design: Using quantitative methodology, a 38-item survey was created to examine primary care providers' preexisting knowledge, attitudes, practice facilitators and barriers about patient portal use and chronic disease management. Setting: A nurse owned primary care clinic in central Wyoming Participants: Four nurse practitioners. Measurements: The survey responses and Likert-type questions, analyzed the mode and open-ended questions analyzed through content analysis. Results: The providers demonstrated an understanding of the benefits of patient portal use and its functions. It was found that although participants felt that their patients could benefit from this technology the portals were not used to their full extent. Conclusion: Health care technology has provided practitioners with the ability to improve patient outcomes. Strengthening the use of patient portals and increasing the quality of how they are used has the potential to enhance patient engagement in their care, ultimately improving patient outcomes.