OBJECTIVE: Information technology can improve the quality, safety, and efficiency of healthcare delivery by improving provider and patient access to health information. We conducted a nonrandomized, cross-sectional, self-report survey to determine whether Alaska Native and American Indian (AN/AI) people have access to the health communication technologies available through a patient-centered medical home. METHODS: In 2011, we administered a self-report survey in an urban, tribally owned and operated primary care center serving AN/AI adults. Patients in the center's waiting rooms completed the survey on paper; center staff completed it electronically. RESULTS: Approximately 98% (n = 654) of respondents reported computer access, 97% (n = 650) email access, and 94% (n = 631) mobile phone use. Among mobile phone users, 60% had Internet access through their phones. Rates of computer access (p = .011) and email use (p = .005) were higher among women than men, but we found no significant gender difference in mobile phone access to the Internet or text messaging. Respondents in the oldest age category (65-80 years of age) were significantly less likely to anticipate using the Internet to schedule appointments, refill medications, or communicate with their health care providers (all p < .001). CONCLUSION: Information on use of health communication technologies enables administrators to deploy these technologies more efficiently to address health concerns in AN/AI communities. Our results will drive future research on health communication for chronic disease screening and health management.
OBJECTIVE: Information technology can improve the quality, safety, and efficiency of healthcare delivery by improving provider and patient access to health information. We conducted a nonrandomized, cross-sectional, self-report survey to determine whether Alaska Native and American Indian (AN/AI) people have access to the health communication technologies available through a patient-centered medical home. METHODS: In 2011, we administered a self-report survey in an urban, tribally owned and operated primary care center serving AN/AI adults. Patients in the center's waiting rooms completed the survey on paper; center staff completed it electronically. RESULTS: Approximately 98% (n = 654) of respondents reported computer access, 97% (n = 650) email access, and 94% (n = 631) mobile phone use. Among mobile phone users, 60% had Internet access through their phones. Rates of computer access (p = .011) and email use (p = .005) were higher among women than men, but we found no significant gender difference in mobile phone access to the Internet or text messaging. Respondents in the oldest age category (65-80 years of age) were significantly less likely to anticipate using the Internet to schedule appointments, refill medications, or communicate with their health care providers (all p < .001). CONCLUSION: Information on use of health communication technologies enables administrators to deploy these technologies more efficiently to address health concerns in AN/AI communities. Our results will drive future research on health communication for chronic disease screening and health management.
Authors: Fred B Wood; Roy Sahali; Nancy Press; Catherine Burroughs; Theodore A Mala; Elliot R Siegel; Neil Rambo; Sherrilynne S Fuller Journal: J Med Libr Assoc Date: 2003-01
Authors: John Hsu; Jie Huang; James Kinsman; Bruce Fireman; Robert Miller; Joseph Selby; Eduardo Ortiz Journal: J Am Med Inform Assoc Date: 2004-11-23 Impact factor: 4.497
Authors: April W Armstrong; Alice J Watson; Maryanne Makredes; Jason E Frangos; Alexandra B Kimball; Joseph C Kvedar Journal: Arch Dermatol Date: 2009-11