Access to electronic health information has become an important focus in the U.S. healthcare system. Although progress has been made to improve patient access, challenges and disparities persist that need to be addressed by health administrators, owners, and IT managers. This article examines trends in patient access to electronic health information and highlights areas for potential improvement in helping patients navigate their health data.
The movement towards better patient access has seen growth alongside ongoing challenges. Since the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act was enacted in 2009, over $35 billion has been invested to advance health information technology. This funding primarily supported the development of electronic health record (EHR) systems, which allow patient access to medical records. By 2022, nearly all non-federal acute care hospitals and about two-thirds of office-based physicians had adopted EHR systems that enabled online viewing of health information, a notable increase from 40% of hospitals and one-third of physicians in 2013.
However, patient engagement in utilizing their online access remains low. For instance, while around 90% of hospitalized patients in a 2015 program were offered online access to their health records, comparatively few accessed this information. Most users tended to engage with their health data mainly during or after a medical visit, typically to review test results or share information with healthcare providers.
Between 2014 and 2022, usage of patient portals grew significantly, with over half of the U.S. population reporting online access to their health information by 2022. Furthermore, patients who actively used these portals valued the ability to message their providers, with usage rates increasing from 53% to 64%. This trend suggests a growing willingness among patients to engage with their health data, influenced by greater comfort with technology and the push for digital engagement during the pandemic.
Despite advances in EHR adoption and patient portal usage, disparities in patient access to electronic health information remain. Research indicates that barriers are present and influenced by factors such as race, education, income, and overall health literacy. For example, even as many individuals can access their records electronically, those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds often lack the resources or support to fully utilize these tools. Health administrators need to be aware of these disparities and work towards solutions that can create more equitable access for all patients.
A major concern regarding patient access involves the timing of information release. The Cures Act requires immediate sharing of test results, but there are concerns about patients receiving results without prior context from their healthcare providers. This situation highlights the need for clear patient engagement strategies that aim to effectively communicate about health data.
Improving patient engagement is crucial to maximizing the benefits of access to electronic health information. Studies suggest that patients who regularly engage with their health data report higher satisfaction and better health outcomes. They appreciate the convenience of viewing their records and prefer immediate access to lab results over traditional methods that involve waiting for a call from a provider.
Healthcare organizations should invest in initiatives that encourage greater engagement with patient portals and health applications. This could include creating user-friendly designs, providing educational resources, and developing training programs for patients who may be less familiar with technology. Continuous feedback through surveys and focus groups can also drive improvements to enhance patient experience.
A key challenge patients face is the difficulty in gathering their electronic health information from various sources. Patients often interact with multiple health systems, resulting in fragmented data across different EHR platforms. This fragmentation can prevent patients from obtaining a complete view of their health.
Healthcare administrators should focus on investing in technologies that support interoperability, allowing patients to aggregate their data across different providers. This can be achieved by implementing application programming interfaces (APIs) that enable secure and user-friendly data sharing. By prioritizing interoperability, health organizations can improve patient access and engagement.
As healthcare progresses further into digital transformation, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming a valuable tool for enhancing workflow and patient engagement. For administrators and IT managers, integrating AI into front-office operations can streamline processes like phone automation and answering services. For example, Simbo AI is innovating front-office phone automation using AI to handle routine inquiries, thus reducing wait times for patients.
By automating tasks such as appointment scheduling, visit confirmations, and reminders, healthcare providers can improve the patient experience while freeing up staff for more complex interactions that require human attention. AI-driven virtual assistants can also provide timely responses to patient inquiries, enhancing satisfaction and access to information.
AI can analyze patient data to identify patterns and areas where patients may struggle. Predictive analytics can help uncover which demographics are less likely to engage with electronic health records, enabling targeted outreach to increase engagement.
Healthcare administrators should prioritize adopting AI technologies that enhance user experience and gather insights for improving health delivery. Integrating these tools into existing systems can provide a better experience for patients accessing their health information while optimizing staff resource usage.
The regulatory environment around electronic health information is continually changing, with organizations like the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) playing an important role in policy guidance related to patient access. For example, ONC has developed measures to enhance patient access through the Trusted Exchange Framework and Common Agreement (TEFCA), which ensures that a core set of health data is accessible across networks.
The Cures Act also includes provisions to protect patients from information blocking, requiring timely access to their health data. As these regulations are implemented, organizations must stay informed and adapt their practices to ensure compliance while enhancing patient access and usability.
The direction of patient access to electronic health information shows both progress and areas that need improvement. While more healthcare providers are offering online access through EHR systems, the challenge remains in facilitating active patient engagement. Ongoing investment in technology, training, and a focus on equity will be essential in transforming how patients access their health information.
Healthcare organizations need to prioritize strategies that align with regulatory frameworks and meet patient needs. Gathering feedback, conducting focus groups, and performing usability tests will help ensure that the systems in place effectively address patient requirements. By promoting an environment that encourages engagement, organizations can create a healthcare experience that assists individuals in managing their health.
In conclusion, the roles of medical practice administrators, owners, and IT managers are increasingly important in utilizing technology and strategies to enhance patient access to health information. Addressing access gaps and promoting engagement will lead to not only satisfied patients but also improved health outcomes over time. As the healthcare system evolves, the intersection of technology, policy, and patient-focused care can create meaningful transformation that is both necessary and timely.
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