Factors Affecting Patients' Use of Electronic Personal Health Records in England: Cross-Sectional Study

Impact of patients' personality traits on digital health Adoption Strategies for family practices

BACKGROUND

Various governments highlight the relevance of digitalization in family practices; however, still some adoption barriers persist due to an inadequate understanding of why patients engage in digital use cases. Different studies show that personality traits influence how individuals assess digital use cases. Nevertheless, the effect of personality has not yet been tested in a family practice setting, even though family doctors are in an optimal position to use these personality insights via an empathetic communication approach in their direct patient interaction.

OBJECTIVE

This paper aims to assess the impact of different personality traits on patients' technology acceptance and derive implications for Digital Health Adoption Strategies of family practices - hence, what family doctors need to consider when influencing a patient's decision to adopt a particular digital use case.

METHODS

After reviewing the literature regarding the impact of personality on technology acceptance, we combined two established UTAUT and Big-Five questionnaires in a web-based survey. Recruiting a large cross-sectional sample of adults living in Germany, we conducted regression analyses to determine the effect of personality and sociodemographics on technology acceptance of four digital use cases in family practices.

RESULTS

Our sample of 1,880 participants indicated that sociodemographics explained technology acceptance better than personality traits. Specifically, digital literacy, age and frequency of doctor visits affected people's perception of different digital use cases while extraversion appeared as key personality trait in technology acceptance.

CONCLUSION

Family practices only need to consider personality traits selectively in developing Digital Health Adoption Strategies. Nevertheless, we argue that different patient personality profiles can guide family doctors in tailoring their communication while implementing digital use cases.

Patient Adoption of Digital Use Cases in Family Medicine and a Nuanced Implementation Approach for Family Doctors: Quantitative Web-Based Survey Study

BACKGROUND

Digital use cases describe the application of technology to achieve specific outcomes. Several studies in health care have examined patients' overall attitudes toward digitalization and specific use cases. However, these studies have failed to provide a comparison of patient acceptance criteria between inherently different digital use cases in family medicine.

OBJECTIVE

To address this research gap, this paper aimed to assist family doctors in selecting digital use cases by comparing the underlying patient adoption factors and in driving usage of these use cases by presenting a differentiated implementation approach.

METHODS

Adapting an established Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) questionnaire to 4 digital use cases in family medicine, we surveyed a large cross-sectional sample of adults living in Germany. The results of the web-based survey were then analyzed via descriptive statistics, ANOVA, and hierarchical regression models to compare the effects of sociodemographic and technology acceptance factors on the intention to use a specific use case.

RESULTS

Our web-based survey included 1880 participants. Of these 1880 participants, only 304 (16.2%) agreed that the degree of digitalization is important when selecting a family practice. However, more digitally literate participants attributed greater importance to this criterion (B=0.226, SE 0.023; β=.223; P<.001), and digital literacy was found to be dependent on age (Welch F3,968.29=53.441; P<.001). Regarding sociodemographic characteristics, only digital literacy demonstrated a significant effect on the intention to use for all use cases, particularly scheduling doctor appointments online (B=0.322, SE 0.033; β=.408; P<.001). Furthermore, performance expectancy was the strongest predictor of the intention to use for all use cases, while further effects of technology acceptance factors depended on the use case (receiving medical consultations via video: B=0.603, SE 0.049; β=.527; P<.001; scheduling doctor appointments online: B=0.566, SE 0.043; β=.513; P<.001; storing personal medical information via electronic health records: B=0.405, SE 0.047; β=.348; P<.001; and providing personal information before consultation digitally [digital anamnesis]: B=0.434, SE 0.048; β=.410; P<.001). To illustrate, perceived privacy and security had an effect on the intention to use electronic health records (B=0.284, SE 0.040; β=.243; P<.001) but no effect on the intention to use video consultations (B=0.068, SE 0.042; β=.053; P=.10).

CONCLUSIONS

In the selection and implementation of digital use cases, family doctors should always prioritize the perceived value of the digital use case for the patient, and further criteria might depend on the digital use case. Practice owners should therefore always harmonize the introduction of digital use cases with their own patient care strategies. Not every digital innovation fits every strategy and therefore every practice.

Intention to use personal health records and associated factors among healthcare providers in southwest Oromia region referral hospitals, Ethiopia: using the modified unified theory of acceptance and use technology 2 model

Introduction

A well-informed decision needs the collection of accurate and organized data, which is becoming more essential in the healthcare industry due to the increasing integration of various technologies. The literature has revealed that the magnitude of intention to use personal health records among healthcare providers is low. Consequently, this study aimed to assess healthcare providers' intentions to use personal health records and its factors in Ethiopia.

Methods

A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 781 healthcare providers in referral hospitals in the Southwest Oromia region, Ethiopia. A simple sampling technique was used to select the study participants among healthcare providers. A pretested self-administered questionnaire was used to collect the data. The degree of correlation between exogenous and endogenous variables was described and validated using structural equation modeling using AMOS 26.

Results

The proportion of intention to use personal health records was 57.6%, 95% CI (53.9-61.2). Factors positively associated with intention to use personal health records were performance expectancy (β = 0.325, P < 0.01), effort expectancy (β = 0.289, P < 0.01), social influence (β = 0.216, P < 0.01), and facilitating condition (β = 0.242, P < 0.01). Age (β = 0.269, P = 0.040, β = 0.326, P < 0.001) positively moderated the relationship between performance expectancy, facilitating conditions to intention to use personal health records.

Conclusions

In general, healthcare providers' intention to use personal health records were promising. Healthcare providers' intentions to use personal health records were significantly influenced by performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, and facilitating conditions. Hence, implementers need to give priority to enhancing the provision of a better system, the knowledge and skills of healthcare providers, and awareness creation among staff by providing continuous training.

Consumer perspectives on the national electronic health record and barriers to its adoption in Germany: does health policy require a change in communication?

BACKGROUND

The national health record (ePA) was introduced January 1st, 2021 in Germany and is available to every person insured under statutory health insurance. This study investigated the acceptance and expectations of the national health record in Germany, focusing on consumer perspectives, expectations, barriers, information needs, and communication aspects.

METHODS

An exploratory, observational, cross-sectional online survey was conducted one year after ePA introduction, followed by descriptive statistical analysis.

RESULTS

The top three ePA use cases were medical document collection, simplified data exchange between medical institutions, and emergency medical information. Adoption barriers included lack of information and access, privacy concerns, and perceived lack of necessity. Participants that felt informed about the ePA, reported they received information primarily from health insurances, the media, and educational or professional sources, mainly through printed brochures, social media, or via emails. Most participants (86.5%) preferred being informed through conversations, particularly with health insurance providers (81.5%) and doctors (61.0%). Written information was highly desired (94.5%), preferably via email or information letters/flyers. However, more than half of the participants (55.6%) reported being uninformed about the ePA introduction.

CONCLUSION

The study revealed a communication gap between providers and consumers, leading to a low acceptance rate of digital health technologies. Comparisons with other countries showed low adoption rates for opt-in systems. The authors suggest changing communication strategies, given users prefer direct information from doctors or health insurance companies. Adopting an opt-out system with professional social media and marketing campaigns could increase nationwide ePA adoption.

Intention to use personal health record system and its predictors among chronic patients enrolled at public hospitals in Bahir Dar city, northwest Ethiopia: using modified UTAUT2 model

Introduction

Chronic diseases are the leading causes of death in the world. In sub-Saharan Africa, it leads to more mortality than almost every other region in the world. Currently, digital health technology like personal health records plays a crucial role in managing patients with chronic diseases. In low-resource countries like Ethiopia, it is uncertain how many chronic patients intend to use PHRs and the accompanying circumstances. Hence, the aim of this study was to assess chronic patients' intention to use PHRs and its predictors enrolled in public health hospitals in Bahir Dar city, northwest Ethiopia.

Method

An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 924 respondents from April 5 to May 9, 2023, in Bahir-Dar city public hospitals. A stratified sampling technique followed by a systematic sampling technique was applied to select the study participants. An interviewer-administrated questionnaire was conducted using Kobo Collect. A UTAUT2 model was applied to develop theoretical frameworks. SPSS version 25 software was used to estimate the descriptive statistics, and the structural equation model analysis was used to evaluate model constructs using AMOS version 21 software.

Results

In this study, a total of 908 study subjects participated. The proportion of chronic patients' intention to use PHR was 46.7% [95.0% CI (43.4-50.1)]. According to the findings, performance expectancy (β = 0.259, p-value <0.001), effort expectancy (β = 0.214, p-value <0.001), social influence (β = 0.174, p-value <0.001), and facilitating condition (β = 0.114, p-value <0.01) had a significant effect on the intention to use PHRs.

Conclusion

Generally, the overall intention to use PHR was low. Our finding illustrates that the effects of performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, and facilitating conditions had a positive effect on patients' intentions to use PHRs. The effect of effort expectancy on the intention to use a PHR was positively moderated by age. Since the findings of this study would help policymakers and programmers to future academics interested in this area and insight to future research workers. Therefore, implementers should focus on improving patient capacity, motivating users, and raising awareness regarding PHR.

Researching big IT in the UK National Health Service: A systematic review of theory-based studies

OBJECTIVE

To identify and discuss theory-based studies of large-scale health information technology programs in the UK National Health Service.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Using the PRISMA systematic review framework, we searched Scopus, PubMed and CINAHL databases from inception to March 2022 for theory-based studies of large-scale health IT implementations. We undertook detailed full-text analyses of papers meeting our inclusion criteria.

RESULTS

Forty-six studies were included after assessment for eligibility, of which twenty-five applied theories from the information systems arena (socio-technical approaches, normalization process theory, user acceptance theories, diffusion of innovation), twelve from sociology (structuration theory, actor-network theory, institutional theory), while nine adopted other theories. Most investigated England's National Program for IT (2002-2011), exploring various technologies among which electronic records predominated. Research themes were categorized into user factors, program factors, process outcomes, clinical impact, technology, and organizational factors. Most research was qualitative, often using a case study strategy with a longitudinal or cross-sectional approach. Data were typically collected through interviews, observation, and document analysis; sampling was generally purposive; and most studies used thematic or related analyses. Theories were generally applied in a superficial or fragmentary manner; and articles frequently lacked detail on how theoretical constructs and relationships aided organization, analysis, and interpretation of data.

CONCLUSION

Theory-based studies of large NHS IT programs are relatively uncommon. As large healthcare programs evolve over a long timeframe in complex and dynamic environments, wider adoption of theory-based methods could strengthen the explanatory and predictive utility of research findings across multiple evaluation studies. Our review has confirmed earlier suggestions for theory selection, and we suggest there is scope for more explicit use of such theoretical constructs to strengthen the conceptual foundations of health informatics research. Additionally, the challenges of large national health informatics programs afford wide-ranging opportunities to test, refine, and adapt sociological and information systems theories.

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices about Electronic Personal Health Records: A Cross-Sectional Study in a Region of Northern Italy

The Electronic Personal Health Record (EPHR) provides an innovative service for citizens and professionals to manage health data, promoting patient-centred care. It enhances communication between patients and physicians and improves accessibility to documents for remote medical information management. The study aims to assess the prevalence of awareness and acceptance of the EPHR in northern Italy and define determinants and barriers to its implementation. In 2022, a region-wide cross-sectional study was carried out through a paper-based and online survey shared among adult citizens. Univariable and multivariable regression models analysed the association between the outcome variables (knowledge and attitudes toward the EPHR) and selected independent variables. Overall, 1634 people were surveyed, and two-thirds were aware of the EPHR. Among those unaware of the EPHR, a high prevalence of specific socio-demographic groups, such as foreign-born individuals and those with lower educational levels, was highlighted. Multivariable regression models showed a positive association between being aware of the EPHR and educational level, health literacy, and perceived poor health status, whereas age was negatively associated. A higher knowledge of the EPHR was associated with a higher attitude towards the EPHR. The current analysis confirms a lack of awareness regarding the existence of the EPHR, especially among certain disadvantaged demographic groups. This should serve as a driving force for a powerful campaign tailored to specific categories of citizens for enhancing knowledge and usage of the EPHR. Involving professionals in promoting this tool is crucial for helping patients and managing health data.

To read or not to read - A cross-sectional study of Swedish primary care patients' adoption of patient accessible electronic health records

Objective

Patient-accessible electronic health records (PAEHR) were implemented in the Stockholm region of Sweden seven years ago. This study examines socio-demographic and psychographic factors associated with reading/not reading these records, as well as the common reasons for such behaviours.

Methods

Patients or guardians of minors seeking face-to-face or digital primary healthcare in the Stockholm region responded to a questionnaire about whether they were aware that they could read their PAEHR, and if so, if they had read it and reasons for reading or not reading. We conducted a comparative analysis of readers and non-readers and a stepwise multiple logistic regression.

Results

The majority of participants were aware that they could read the PAEHR (86%) and among those aware, 77% had read it. The odds of reading decreased with increased age, unfavourable opinion of PAEHR, low information literacy and being single. Access to a smartphone increased the probability of reading. Participants who had read their PAEHR had commonly read it to get an overview of their health and care (65%) and to follow up on a healthcare visit (55%). Participants who had not read their PAEHR stated generally that they did not need to (63%) and/or had received sufficient information from their providers (38%).

Conclusions

While most people were aware they could read the PAEHR and many had read it, a digital divide and several barriers to reading the PAEHR were identified. Efforts to increase PAEHR reading may be targeted at older people, people needing more informal support, those who may be excluded due to limited information literacy, and towards improving the patient portals' usability.

Integrated personal health record (PHR) security: requirements and mechanisms

BACKGROUND

Personal Health Records (PHRs) are designed to fulfill the goals of electronic health (eHealth) and empower the individual in the process of self-care. Integrated PHR can improve the quality of care, strengthen the patient-healthcare provider relationship, and reduce healthcare costs. Still, the process of PHR acceptance and use has been slow and mainly hindered by people's concerns about the security of their personal health information. Thus, the present study aimed to identify the Integrated PHR security requirements and mechanisms.

METHODS

In this applied study, PHR security requirements were identified with a literature review of (library sources, research articles, scientific documents, and reliable websites). The identified requirements were classified, and a questionnaire was developed accordingly. Thirty experts completed the questionnaire in a two-round Delphi technique, and the data were analyzed by descriptive statistics.

RESULTS

The PHR security requirements were identified and classified into seven dimensions confidentiality, availability, integrity, authentication, authorization, non-repudiation, and right of access, each dimension having certain mechanisms. On average, the experts reached an agreement about the mechanisms of confidentiality (94.67%), availability (96.67%), integrity (93.33%), authentication (100%), authorization (97.78%), non-repudiation (100%), and right of access (90%).

CONCLUSION

Integrated PHR security is a requirement for its acceptance and use. To design a useful and reliable integrated PHR, system designers, health policymakers, and healthcare organizations must identify and apply security requirements to guarantee the privacy and confidentiality of data.

Perceived barriers and enablers of a personal health record from the healthcare provider perspective

Personal health records (PHRs) have been implemented around the world as a means to increase the safety, quality, and efficiency of health care. The Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia launched their PHR in 2018. This study aimed to explore healthcare provider (HCP) perspectives of barriers to and enablers of PHR adoption in Saudi Arabia. The 291 participating HCPs (40.5% nurses, 23.0% pharmacists, 17.2% physicians, 15.5% technicians, and 3.8% other) selected the following as top-3 barriers to PHR adoption: 1) lack of patient awareness (19.4%), 2) patient low literacy (17.7%), and 3) patient resistance to new technologies (12.5%). Of these, 36 responded to the open-ended question gauging feedback on the PHR. Three main themes were identified from the comments: 1) general perceptions of the PHR (positive attitudes, negative attitudes, additional features); 2) patient engagement as a requirement for the successful implementation of the PHR; and 3) education/training of HCPs, patients, and caregivers. This analysis extends our understanding of HCP perspectives of barriers and enablers to PHR adoption. Further qualitative research with patients is required to confirm our findings.

Attitudes and associated factors of patients' adoption of patient accessible electronic health records in China - A mixed methods study

Background

Although patient accessible electronic health records (PAEHRs) offer great potential in enhancing the provision of patient-centered care and improving satisfaction, the adoption rate is still low. Currently, few studies are there for researchers and health organization leaders to understand patients' thoughts and related factors of PAEHRs adoption in developing countries. China adopted more limited practices of PAEHRs, among which we selected Yuebei People's Hospital as an example.

Objective

The study aimed to research patient attitudes toward PAEHRs use and the associated factors of patients' adoption of PAEHRs in China, which is achieved by both qualitative and quantitative studies.

Methods

This study employed sequential mixed-methods. The DeLone & McLean information systems (D&M IS) success model, Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) and task-technology fit (TTF) model were used to guide the research. Finally, we collected 28 valid in-depth interview responses, 51 valid semi-structured interview responses and 235 valid questionnaire responses. The research model was tested and validated using data collected.

Results

The findings of the qualitative study reveal that patients' rate perceived task productivity and customer satisfaction as benefits, and poor-quality information as flaws. Results of the quantitative study show that the drivers of behavioral intention are performance expectance, effort expectancy and social influence; the predictors of use behavior are TTF and behavioral intention.

Conclusion

It is necessary to consider PAEHRs' task-tool role in patients' adoption behavior. Hospitalized patients value PAEHRs' practical attributes and attach much importance to the information content and application design.

Early Adopters of Apple Health Records at a Large Academic Medical Center: Cross-sectional Survey of Users

Background

Mobile applications offer a new approach to personal health records, which are internet-based tools for patients to consolidate and manage their health information. The University of Pennsylvania Health System (UPHS) was one of the first health systems to participate in Apple Health Records (AHR), a prominent example of this new generation of personal health records.

Objective

This study aimed to characterize early adoption of AHR among UPHS patients and understand user perspectives.

Methods

An email-based survey with fixed answer, Likert scale, and open-ended questions was administered to all UPHS patients using AHR in the first 10 months of enrollment. Survey data linked to the UPHS electronic health record system were used to analyze responses. Multivariable logistic regression modeled the association of patient characteristics with user ratings. Content analysis was used to analyze open-ended questions.

Results

At the time of the survey, a total of 1458 patients had used AHR at least once. Mean age of AHR users was 47.5 years, 66.3% (967/1458) were male, 70.9% (1033/1458) were white, and 80.8% (1178/1458) had private insurance. Response rate was 26.8% (391/1458); 46.3% (180/389) were very satisfied with AHR, and 67.7% (264/390) described it as very easy to use. The most commonly utilized features were lab results (324/391, 82.9%), clinical vitals (264/391, 67.5%), and medications (253/391, 64.7%). No patient characteristics were associated with reporting high satisfaction or ease of use. The most common reason for using AHR was convenience/ease of use, and 58.2% (160/275) of users reported allowing no other apps to access their health information, citing privacy as one consideration.

Conclusions

Early adopters of AHR were demographically white, male, and privately insured. Convenience was an important facilitator, and users were selective in which apps they allowed to access their health information.

Predicting Health Care Providers' Acceptance of a Personal Health Record Secure Messaging Feature

BACKGROUND

Personal health records (PHRs) can facilitate patient-centered communication through the secure messaging feature. As health care organizations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia implement PHRs and begin to implement the secure messaging feature, studies are needed to evaluate health care providers' acceptance.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to identify predictors of health care providers' behavioral intention to support the addition of a secure messaging feature in PHRs using an adapted model of the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology as the theoretical framework.

METHODS

Using a cross-sectional survey design, data on acceptance of secure messaging features in PHRs were collected from health care providers working at the Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs between April and May 2021. The proposed model was tested using partial least squares structural equation modeling in SmartPLS.

RESULTS

There were 224 participants: female (66.5%), 40 to 49 years of age (39.9%), nurses (45.1%), and those working more than 10 years in the organization (68.8%). Behavioral intention to support the addition of a secure messaging feature was significantly influenced by performance expectancy (β = 0.21, p = 0.01) and attitude (β = 0.50, p < 0.01), while other predicting factors, such as effort expectancy, social influence, and facilitating condition, did not significantly affect the intention. Furthermore, age, years of experience, and professional role did not moderate the relationships.

CONCLUSION

Health care professionals will support introducing a secure messaging feature in the PHRs if they serve the intended purpose. Considering attitude also plays a significant role in acceptance, it is necessary to arrange for training and support, so that caregivers, health care providers, and the patients become familiar with the benefits and expected outcomes of using the feature.

Exploring the COVID-19 Pandemic as a Catalyst for PHR App User Behavior Change in Taiwan: A Development and Usability Study

Background

During the COVID-19 pandemic, personal health records (PHRs) have enabled patients to monitor and manage their medical data without visiting hospitals and, consequently, minimize their infection risk. Taiwan’s National Health Insurance Administration (NHIA) launched the My Health Bank (MHB) service, a national PHR system through which insured individuals to access their cross-hospital medical data. Furthermore, in 2019, the NHIA released the MHB software development kit (SDK), which enables development of mobile apps with which insured individuals can retrieve their MHB data. However, the NHIA MHB service has its limitations, and the participation rate among insured individuals is low.

Objective

We aimed to integrate the MHB SDK with our developed blockchain-enabled PHR mobile app, which enables patients to access, store, and manage their cross-hospital PHR data. We also collected and analyzed the app’s log data to examine patients’ MHB use during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

We integrated our existing blockchain-enabled mobile app with the MHB SDK to enable NHIA MHB data retrieval. The app utilizes blockchain technology to encrypt the downloaded NHIA MHB data. Existing and new indexes can be synchronized between the app and blockchain nodes, and high security can be achieved for PHR management. Finally, we analyzed the app’s access logs to compare patients’ activities during high and low COVID-19 infection periods.

Results

We successfully integrated the MHB SDK into our mobile app, thereby enabling patients to retrieve their cross-hospital medical data, particularly those related to COVID-19 rapid and polymerase chain reaction testing and vaccination information and progress. We retrospectively collected the app’s log data for the period of July 2019 to June 2021. From January 2020, the preliminary results revealed a steady increase in the number of people who applied to create a blockchain account for access to their medical data and the number of app subscribers among patients who visited the outpatient department (OPD) and emergency department (ED). Notably, for patients who visited the OPD and ED, the peak proportions with respect to the use of the app for OPD and ED notes and laboratory test results also increased year by year. The highest proportions were 52.40% for ED notes in June 2021, 88.10% for ED laboratory test reports in May 2021, 34.61% for OPD notes in June 2021, and 41.87% for OPD laboratory test reports in June 2021. These peaks coincided with Taiwan’s local COVID-19 outbreak lasting from May to June 2021.

Conclusions

This study developed a blockchain-enabled mobile app, which can periodically retrieve and integrate PHRs from the NHIA MHB's cross-hospital data and the investigated hospital's self-pay medical data. Analysis of users’ access logs revealed that the COVID-19 pandemic substantially increased individuals’ use of PHRs and their health awareness with respect to COVID-19 prevention.

Human-Technology Interaction Factors Associated With the Use of Electronic Personal Health Records Among Younger and Older Adults: Secondary Data Analysis

BACKGROUND

An electronic personal health record (ePHR), also known as a personal health record (PHR), has been broadly defined as an electronic application through which individuals can access, manage, and share their health information in a secure and confidential environment. Although ePHRs can benefit individuals as well as caregivers and health care providers, the use of ePHRs among individuals continues to remain low.

OBJECTIVE

The current study aims to examine the relationship between human-technology interaction factors and ePHR use among adults and then to compare the different effects of human-technology interaction factors on ePHR use between younger adults (18-54 years old) and older adults (55 years of age and over).

METHODS

We analyzed data from the Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS 5 cycle 3) collected from US adults aged 18 years old and over in 2019. Descriptive analysis was conducted for all variables and each item of ePHR use. Bivariate tests (Pearson correlation coefficient for categorical variable and F test for continuous variables) were conducted over 2 age groups. Finally, after adjustments were made for sociodemographics and health care resources, a weighted multiple linear regression was conducted to examine the relationship between human-technology interaction factors and ePHR use.

RESULTS

The final sample size of 1363 (average age 51.19) was divided into 2 age groups: 18 to 54 years old and 55 years old and older. The average level of ePHR use was low (mean 2.76, range 0-8). There was no significant difference in average ePHR use between the 2 age groups. Including clinical notes was positively related to ePHR use in both groups: 18 to 54 years old (β=.28, P=.005), 55 years old and older (β=.15, P=.006). Although accessing ePHRs using a smartphone app was only associated with ePHR use among younger adults (β=.29; P<.001), ease of understanding health information in ePHRs was positively linked to ePHR use only among older adults (β=.13; P=.003).

CONCLUSIONS

This study found that including clinical notes was positively related to ePHR use in both age groups, which suggested that including clinical notes as a part of ePHRs might improve the effective use of ePHRs among patients. Moreover, accessing ePHRs using a smartphone app was associated with higher ePHR use among younger adults while ease of understanding health information in ePHRs was linked to higher ePHR use among older adults. The design of ePHRs should provide the option of being accessible through mobile devices to promote greater ePHR use among young people. For older adults, providers could add additional notes to explain the health information recorded in the ePHRs.

Health Care Providers' Acceptance of a Personal Health Record: Cross-sectional Study

BACKGROUND

Personal health records (PHRs) are eHealth tools designed to support patient engagement, patient empowerment, and patient- and person-centered care. Endorsement of a PHR by health care providers (HCPs) facilitates patient acceptance. As health care organizations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia begin to adopt PHRs, understanding the perspectives of HCPs is important because it can influence patient adoption. However, no studies evaluated HCPs' acceptance of PHRs in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to identify predictors of HCPs' acceptance of PHRs using behavioral intention to recommend as a proxy for adoption.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study was conducted among HCPs (physicians, pharmacists, nurses, technicians, others) utilizing a survey based on the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology. The main theory constructs of performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, facilitating conditions, and positive attitude were considered independent variables. Behavioral intention was the dependent variable. Age, years of experience, and professional role were tested as moderators between the main theory constructs and behavioral intention using partial least squares structural equation modeling.

RESULTS

Of the 291 participants, 246 were included in the final analysis. Behavioral intention to support PHR use among patients was significantly influenced by performance expectancy (β=.17, P=.03) and attitude (β=.61, P<.01). No moderating effects were present.

CONCLUSIONS

This study identified performance expectancy and attitude as predictors of HCPs' behavioral intention to recommend PHR to patients. To encourage HCPs to endorse PHRs, health care organizations should involve HCPs in the implementation and provide training on the features available as well as expected benefits. Future studies should be conducted in other contexts and include other potential predictors.

The Impact of Digital Patient Portals on Health Outcomes, System Efficiency, and Patient Attitudes: Updated Systematic Literature Review

Background

Patient portals are becoming increasingly popular worldwide even though their impact on individual health and health system efficiency is still unclear.

Objective

The aim of this systematic review was to summarize evidence on the impact of patient portals on health outcomes and health care efficiency, and to examine user characteristics, attitudes, and satisfaction.

Methods

We searched the PubMed and Web of Science databases for articles published from January 1, 2013, to October 31, 2019. Eligible studies were primary studies reporting on the impact of patient portal adoption in relation to health outcomes, health care efficiency, and patient attitudes and satisfaction. We excluded studies where portals were not accessible for patients and pilot studies, with the exception of articles evaluating patient attitudes.

Results

Overall, 3456 records were screened, and 47 articles were included. Among them, 11 studies addressed health outcomes reporting positive results, such as better monitoring of health status, improved patient-doctor interaction, and improved quality of care. Fifteen studies evaluated the impact of digital patient portals on the utilization of health services with mixed results. Patient characteristics were described in 32 studies, and it was reported that the utilization rate usually increases with age and female gender. Finally, 30 studies described attitudes and defined the main barriers (concerns about privacy and data security, and lack of time) and facilitators (access to clinical data and laboratory results) to the use of a portal.

Conclusions

Evidence regarding health outcomes is generally favorable, and patient portals have the potential to enhance the doctor-patient relationship, improve health status awareness, and increase adherence to therapy. It is still unclear whether the use of patient portals improves health service utilization and efficiency.

Socio-technical drivers and barriers in the consumer adoption of personal health records: An empirical investigation

BACKGROUND

Increasingly popular in the healthcare domain, electronic personal health records (PHRs) have the potential to foster engagement towards improving health outcomes, achieve efficiencies in care, and reducing costs. Despite touted benefits, the uptake of PHRs is lackluster, with low adoption rates.

OBJECTIVE

This paper reports findings from an empirical investigation on socio-technical factors affecting the adoption of PHRs.

METHODS

A research model comprising personal and technological determinants of PHR adoption is developed and validated in this study. Demographic, technographic and psychographic data pertaining to the use of PHRs was collected through an online questionnaire for past, current, and potential users. Partial least squares (PLS) based structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to estimate a structural model of cognitive and affective factors impacting intentions to use PHRs.

RESULTS

Analysis reveal that in addition to the expected positive impact of a PHR system's usefulness and usability, system integration also positively effects consumer intention to adopt. Results also suggest that higher levels of perceived usability and integration do not translate into higher levels of perceived usefulness. The study also highlights the importance of subjective norm, technology awareness, and technology anxiety as direct antecedents of intention to adopt PHRs. Differential effects of adoption factors are also discussed.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study hopes to contribute to an understanding of consumer adoption of PHRs, and to help improve the design and delivery of consumer-centric healthcare technologies. After implications for research, we provide suggestions and guidelines for PHR technology developers and constituents in the healthcare delivery chain.

CLINICALTRIAL

Functionalities and Issues in the Implementation of Personal Health Records: Systematic Review

Background

Functionalities of personal health record (PHR) are evolving, and continued discussions about PHR functionalities need to be performed to keep it up-to-date. Technological issues such as nonfunctional requirements should also be discussed in the implementation of PHR.

Objective

This study systematically reviewed the main functionalities and issues in implementing the PHR.

Methods

This systematic review was conducted using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The search is performed using the online databases Scopus, ScienceDirect, IEEE, MEDLINE, CINAHL, and PubMed for English journal articles and conference proceedings published between 2015 and 2020.

Results

A total of 105 articles were selected in the review. Seven function categories were identified in this review, which is grouped into basic and advanced functions. Health records and administrative records were grouped into basic functions. Medication management, communication, appointment management, education, and self-health monitoring were grouped into advanced functions. The issues found in this study include interoperability, security and privacy, usability, data quality, and personalization.

Conclusions

In addition to PHR basic and advanced functions, other supporting functionalities may also need to be developed based on the issues identified in this study. This paper provides an integrated PHR architectural model that describes the functional requirements and data sources of PHRs.

A Technology Acceptance Model for Deploying Masks to Combat the COVID-19 Pandemic in Taiwan (My Health Bank): Web-Based Cross-sectional Survey Study

BACKGROUND

The successful completion of medical practices often relies on information collection and analysis. Government agencies and medical institutions have encouraged people to use medical information technology (MIT) to manage their conditions and promote personal health. In 2014, Taiwan established the first electronic personal health record (PHR) platform, My Health Bank (MHB), which allows people to access and manage their PHRs at any time. In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Taiwan has used MIT to effectively prevent the spread of COVID-19 and undertaken various prevention measures before the onset of the outbreak. Using MHB to purchase masks in an efficient and orderly way and thoroughly implementing personal protection efforts is highly important to contain disease spread.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to understand people's intention to use the electronic PHR platform MHB and to investigate the factors affecting their intention to use this platform.

METHODS

From March 31 to April 9, 2014, in a promotion via email and Facebook, participants were asked to fill out a structured questionnaire after watching an introductory video about MHB on YouTube. The questionnaire included seven dimensions: perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, health literacy, privacy and security, computer self-efficacy, attitude toward use, and behavioral intention to use. Each question was measured on a 5-point Likert scale ranging from "strongly disagree" (1 point) to "strongly agree" (5 points). Descriptive statistics and structural equation analysis were performed using SPSS 21 and AMOS 21 software.

RESULTS

A total of 350 valid questionnaire responses were collected (female: 219/350, 62.6%; age: 21-30 years: 238/350, 68.0%; university-level education: 228/350, 65.1%; occupation as student: 195/350, 56.6%; average monthly income

CONCLUSIONS

From the perspective of the populace, this study explored the factors affecting the use of MHB and constructed an interpretation model with a strong goodness of fit. The results of our analysis are consistent with the technology acceptance model. Through the diverse value-added services of MHB, Taiwan's experience in pandemic prevention with smart technology can facilitate future responses to unknown, emerging infectious diseases.

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Key Words

• COVID-19
• electronic health record
• electronic medical record
• intention
• literacy
• model
• my health bank
• personal health record
• privacy
• protection
• security
• structural equation model
• survey
• technology acceptance model
• usage

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MESH Headings

• Adult
• COVID-19/epidemiology
• COVID-19/prevention & control
• COVID-19/transmission
• Cross-Sectional Studies
• Disease Transmission, Infectious/prevention & control
• Female
• Humans
• Internet
• Male
• Masks
• Pandemics
• SARS-CoV-2
• Surveys and Questionnaires
• Taiwan/epidemiology
• Technology
• Young Adult

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Affiliation(s)

Wen-Hsun Tsai Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan Medical Administration Office, Beitou Branch, Tri-Service General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
Yi-Syuan Wu Graduate Institute of Life Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
Chia-Shiang Cheng Graduate Institute of Life Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
Ming-Hao Kuo Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
Yu-Tien Chang School of Public Health, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
Fu-Kang Hu Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan Medical Informatics Office, Tri-Service General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
Chien-An Sun Big Data Research Center, College of Medicine, Fu-Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
Chi-Wen Chang School of Nursing, College of Medicine, Chang-Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan Division of Pediatric Endocrinology & Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Chang-Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
Ta-Chien Chan Research Center for Humanities and Social Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
Chao-Wen Chen Trauma and Critical Care Service Department of Surgery, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
Chia-Cheng Lee Medical Informatics Office, Tri-Service General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan Division of Colorectal Surgery, Department of Surgery, Tri-Service General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
Chi-Ming Chu Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan Graduate Institute of Life Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan School of Public Health, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan Big Data Research Center, College of Medicine, Fu-Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan Department of Public Health, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan Department of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan Department of Healthcare Administration and Medical Informatics, College of Health Sciences, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan Department of Medical Research, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan

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Collaborators Collapse

Patients' Perspectives About Factors Affecting Their Use of Electronic Personal Health Records in England: Qualitative Analysis

BACKGROUND

General practices (GPs) in England have recently introduced a nationwide electronic personal health record (ePHR) system called Patient Online or GP online services, which allows patients to view parts of their medical records, book appointments, and request prescription refills. Although this system is free of charge, its adoption rates are low. To improve patients' adoption and implementation success of the system, it is important to understand the factors affecting their use of the system.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to explore patients' perspectives of factors affecting their use of ePHRs in England.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey was carried out between August 21 and September 26, 2017. A questionnaire was used in this survey to collect mainly quantitative data through closed-ended questions in addition to qualitative data through an open-ended question. A convenience sample was recruited in 4 GPs in West Yorkshire, England. Given that the quantitative data were analyzed in a previous study, we analyzed the qualitative data using thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Of the 800 eligible patients invited to participate in the survey, 624 (78.0%) returned a fully completed questionnaire. Of those returned questionnaires, the open-ended question was answered by 136/624 (21.8%) participants. A total of 2 meta-themes emerged from participants' responses. The first meta-theme comprises 5 themes about why patients do not use Patient Online: concerns about using Patient Online, lack of awareness of Patient Online, challenges regarding internet and computers, perceived characteristics of nonusers, and preference for personal contact. The second meta-theme contains 1 theme about why patients use Patient Online: encouraging features of Patient Online.

CONCLUSIONS

The challenges and concerns that impede the use of Patient Online seem to be of greater importance than the facilitators that encourage its use. There are practical considerations that, if incorporated into the system, are likely to improve its adoption rate: Patient Online should be useful, easy to use, secure, and easy to access. Different channels should be used to increase the awareness of the system, and GPs should ease registration with the system and provide manuals, training sessions, and technical support. More research is needed to assess the effect of the new factors found in this study (eg, lack of trust, difficulty registering with Patient Online) and factors affecting the continuing use of the system.

Factors affecting the acceptance of integrated electronic personal health records in Saudi Arabia: The impact of e-health literacy

Background:

National implementation of electronic personal health record (ePHR) systems is of vital importance to governments worldwide because this type of technology promises to promote and enhance healthcare. Although there is widespread agreement as to the advantages of ePHRs, the level of awareness and acceptance of this technology among healthcare consumers has been low.

Objective:

The aim of this study was to identify the factors that can influence the acceptance and use of an integrated ePHR system in Saudi Arabia.

Method:

The unified theory of acceptance and use of technology model was extended in this study to include e-health literacy (e-HL) and tested using structural equation modelling. Data were collected via a questionnaire survey, resulting in 794 valid responses.

Results:

The proposed model explained 56% of the variance in behavioural intention (BI) to use the integrated ePHR system. Findings also highlighted the significance of performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence (SI) and e-HL as determinants of Saudi healthcare consumers’ intentions to accept and use the integrated ePHR system. Additionally, assessment of the research model moderators revealed that only gender had a moderating influence on the relationship between SI and BI. Finally, findings showed a low level of awareness among Saudi citizens about the national implementation of an integrated ePHR system, suggesting the need to promote a greater and more widespread awareness of the system and to demonstrate its usefulness.

Conclusion:

Findings from this study can assist governments, policymakers and developers of health information technologies and systems by identifying important factors that may influence the diffusion and use of integrated ePHRs.

Patients' Adoption of Electronic Personal Health Records in England: Secondary Data Analysis

BACKGROUND

In England, almost all general practices (GPs) have implemented GP online services such as electronic personal health records (ePHRs) that allow people to schedule appointments, request repeat prescriptions, and access parts of their medical records. The overall adoption rate of GP online services has been low, reaching just 28% in October 2019. In a previous study, Abd-Alrazaq et al adopted a model to assess the factors that influence patients' use of GP online services in England. According to the previous literature, the predictive power of the Abd-Alrazaq model could be improved by proposing new associations between the existing variables in the model.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to improve the predictive power of the Abd-Alrazaq model by proposing new relationships between the existing variables in the model.

METHODS

The Abd-Alrazaq model was amended by proposing new direct, mediating, moderating, and moderated mediating effects. The amended model was examined using data from a previous study, which were collected by a cross-sectional survey of a convenience sample of 4 GPs in West Yorkshire, England. Structural equation modeling was used to examine the theoretical model and hypotheses.

RESULTS

The new model accounted for 53% of the variance in performance expectancy (PE), 76% of the variance in behavioral intention (BI), and 49% of the variance in use behavior (UB). In addition to the significant associations found in the previous study, this study found that social influence (SI) and facilitating conditions (FCs) are associated with PE directly and BI indirectly through PE. The association between BI and UB was stronger for younger women with higher levels of education, income, and internet access. The indirect effects of effort expectancy (EE), perceived privacy and security (PPS), and SI on BI were statistically stronger for women without internet access, patients with internet access, and patients without internet access, respectively. The indirect effect of PPS on BI was stronger for patients with college education or diploma than for those with secondary school education and lower, whereas the indirect effect of EE on BI was stronger for patients with secondary school education or lower than for those with college education or a diploma.

CONCLUSIONS

The predictive power of the Abd-Alrazaq model improved by virtue of new significant associations that were not examined before in the context of ePHRs. Further studies are required to validate the new model in different contexts and to improve its predictive power by proposing new variables. The influential factors found in this study should be considered to improve patients' use of ePHRs.

Integrating People, Context, and Technology in the Implementation of a Web-Based Intervention in Forensic Mental Health Care: Mixed-Methods Study

Background

While eMental health interventions can have many potential benefits for mental health care, implementation outcomes are often disappointing. In order to improve these outcomes, there is a need for a better understanding of complex, dynamic interactions between a broad range of implementation-related factors. These interactions and processes should be studied holistically, paying attention to factors related to context, technology, and people.

Objective

The main objective of this mixed-method study was to holistically evaluate the implementation strategies and outcomes of an eMental health intervention in an organization for forensic mental health care.

Methods

First, desk research was performed on 18 documents on the implementation process. Second, the intervention’s use by 721 patients and 172 therapists was analyzed via log data. Third, semistructured interviews were conducted with all 18 therapists of one outpatient clinic to identify broad factors that influence implementation outcomes. The interviews were analyzed via a combination of deductive analysis using the nonadoption, abandonment, scale-up, spread, and sustainability framework and inductive, open coding.

Results

The timeline generated via desk research showed that implementation strategies focused on technical skills training of therapists. Log data analyses demonstrated that 1019 modules were started, and 18.65% (721/3865) of patients of the forensic hospital started at least one module. Of these patients, 18.0% (130/721) completed at least one module. Of the therapists using the module, 54.1% (93/172 sent at least one feedback message to a patient. The median number of feedback messages sent per therapist was 1, with a minimum of 0 and a maximum of 460. Interviews showed that therapists did not always introduce the intervention to patients and using the intervention was not part of their daily routine. Also, therapists indicated patients often did not have the required conscientiousness and literacy levels. Furthermore, they had mixed opinions about the design of the intervention. Important organization-related factors were the need for more support and better integration in organizational structures. Finally, therapists stated that despite its current low use, the intervention had the potential to improve the quality of treatment.

Conclusions

Synthesis of different types of data showed that implementation outcomes were mostly disappointing. Implementation strategies focused on technical training of therapists, while little attention was paid to changes in the organization, design of the technology, and patient awareness. A more holistic approach toward implementation strategies—with more attention to the organization, patients, technology, and training therapists—might have resulted in better implementation outcomes. Overall, adaptivity appears to be an important concept in eHealth implementation: a technology should be easily adaptable to an individual patient, therapists should be trained to deal flexibly with an eMental health intervention in their treatment, and organizations should adapt their implementation strategies and structures to embed a new eHealth intervention.

Patients’ Adoption of Electronic Personal Health Records in England: Secondary Data Analysis (Preprint).. [DOI: 10.2196/preprints.17499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0]

BACKGROUND

In England, almost all general practices (GPs) have implemented GP online services such as electronic personal health records (ePHRs) that allow people to schedule appointments, request repeat prescriptions, and access parts of their medical records. The overall adoption rate of GP online services has been low, reaching just 28% in October 2019. In a previous study, Abd-Alrazaq et al adopted a model to assess the factors that influence patients’ use of GP online services in England. According to the previous literature, the predictive power of the Abd-Alrazaq model could be improved by proposing new associations between the existing variables in the model.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to improve the predictive power of the Abd-Alrazaq model by proposing new relationships between the existing variables in the model.

METHODS

The Abd-Alrazaq model was amended by proposing new direct, mediating, moderating, and moderated mediating effects. The amended model was examined using data from a previous study, which were collected by a cross-sectional survey of a convenience sample of 4 GPs in West Yorkshire, England. Structural equation modeling was used to examine the theoretical model and hypotheses.

RESULTS

The new model accounted for 53% of the variance in performance expectancy (PE), 76% of the variance in behavioral intention (BI), and 49% of the variance in use behavior (UB). In addition to the significant associations found in the previous study, this study found that social influence (SI) and facilitating conditions (FCs) are associated with PE directly and BI indirectly through PE. The association between BI and UB was stronger for younger women with higher levels of education, income, and internet access. The indirect effects of effort expectancy (EE), perceived privacy and security (PPS), and SI on BI were statistically stronger for women without internet access, patients with internet access, and patients without internet access, respectively. The indirect effect of PPS on BI was stronger for patients with college education or diploma than for those with secondary school education and lower, whereas the indirect effect of EE on BI was stronger for patients with secondary school education or lower than for those with college education or a diploma.

CONCLUSIONS

The predictive power of the Abd-Alrazaq model improved by virtue of new significant associations that were not examined before in the context of ePHRs. Further studies are required to validate the new model in different contexts and to improve its predictive power by proposing new variables. The influential factors found in this study should be considered to improve patients’ use of ePHRs.

Patients’ Perspectives About Factors Affecting Their Use of Electronic Personal Health Records in England: Qualitative Analysis (Preprint).. [DOI: 10.2196/preprints.17500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0]

BACKGROUND

General practices (GPs) in England have recently introduced a nationwide electronic personal health record (ePHR) system called Patient Online or GP online services, which allows patients to view parts of their medical records, book appointments, and request prescription refills. Although this system is free of charge, its adoption rates are low. To improve patients’ adoption and implementation success of the system, it is important to understand the factors affecting their use of the system.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to explore patients’ perspectives of factors affecting their use of ePHRs in England.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey was carried out between August 21 and September 26, 2017. A questionnaire was used in this survey to collect mainly quantitative data through closed-ended questions in addition to qualitative data through an open-ended question. A convenience sample was recruited in 4 GPs in West Yorkshire, England. Given that the quantitative data were analyzed in a previous study, we analyzed the qualitative data using thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Of the 800 eligible patients invited to participate in the survey, 624 (78.0%) returned a fully completed questionnaire. Of those returned questionnaires, the open-ended question was answered by 136/624 (21.8%) participants. A total of 2 meta-themes emerged from participants’ responses. The first meta-theme comprises 5 themes about why patients do not use Patient Online: concerns about using Patient Online, lack of awareness of Patient Online, challenges regarding internet and computers, perceived characteristics of nonusers, and preference for personal contact. The second meta-theme contains 1 theme about why patients use Patient Online: encouraging features of Patient Online.

CONCLUSIONS

The challenges and concerns that impede the use of Patient Online seem to be of greater importance than the facilitators that encourage its use. There are practical considerations that, if incorporated into the system, are likely to improve its adoption rate: Patient Online should be useful, easy to use, secure, and easy to access. Different channels should be used to increase the awareness of the system, and GPs should ease registration with the system and provide manuals, training sessions, and technical support. More research is needed to assess the effect of the new factors found in this study (eg, lack of trust, difficulty registering with Patient Online) and factors affecting the continuing use of the system.