Survey analysis of patient experience using a practice-linked PHR for type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Patient experience was assessed by survey as part of a large, randomized controlled trial of a secure, practice-linked personal health record called Patient Gateway at Partners HealthCare in Boston, MA. The subjects were patients with Type 2 diabetes who prepared for their upcoming primary care visit using a previsit electronic journal. The journal generated a diabetes care plan using patient chart information and patient responses to questions in preparation for a scheduled office visit. Review of 37 surveys revealed that a diabetes care plan took 5-9 minutes (modal) to be created by the patient and helped many patients to feel more prepared for their visit (60%) and give more accurate information to their provider (53%). Study limitations included small numbers of survey participants and a bias toward white, better educated patients with better controlled diabetes. Nevertheless, the electronic journal is a promising tool for visit preparation and process improvement.