OBJECTIVE: Health-related Internet use and eHealth technologies, including online patient-provider communication (PPC), are continually being integrated into health care environments. This study aimed to describe sociodemographic and health- and Internet-related correlates that influence adult patients' interest in and electronic exchange of medical information with health care providers in the United States. METHODS: Nationally representative cross-sectional data from the 2014 Health Information National Trends Survey ( N = 3677) were analyzed. Descriptive statistics and multivariable regression analyses were performed to examine associations between patient-level characteristics and online PPC behavior and interests. RESULTS: Most respondents were Internet users (82.8%), and 61.5% of information seekers designated the Internet as their first source for health information. Younger respondents (<50 years), Hispanics, those from higher-income households, and those perceiving access to personal health information as important were more likely to be interested in online PPC. Despite varying levels of patient interest, 68.5% had no online PPC in the last year. However, Internet users (odds ratio, OR = 2.87, 95% CI, 1.35-6.08), college graduates (OR = 2.92, 95% CI, 1.42-5.99), and those with frequent provider visits (OR = 1.94, 95% CI, 1.02-3.71) had a higher likelihood of online PPC via email or fax, while Hispanics and those from higher-income households were 2-3 times more likely to communicate via text messaging or phone/mobile apps. CONCLUSION: Patients' interest in and display of online PPC-related behaviors vary by age, race/ethnicity, education, income, Internet access/behaviors, and information type. These findings can inform efforts aimed at improving the use and adoption of eHealth technologies, which may contribute to a reduction in communication inequalities and health care disparities.
OBJECTIVE: Health-related Internet use and eHealth technologies, including online patient-provider communication (PPC), are continually being integrated into health care environments. This study aimed to describe sociodemographic and health- and Internet-related correlates that influence adult patients' interest in and electronic exchange of medical information with health care providers in the United States. METHODS: Nationally representative cross-sectional data from the 2014 Health Information National Trends Survey ( N = 3677) were analyzed. Descriptive statistics and multivariable regression analyses were performed to examine associations between patient-level characteristics and online PPC behavior and interests. RESULTS: Most respondents were Internet users (82.8%), and 61.5% of information seekers designated the Internet as their first source for health information. Younger respondents (<50 years), Hispanics, those from higher-income households, and those perceiving access to personal health information as important were more likely to be interested in online PPC. Despite varying levels of patient interest, 68.5% had no online PPC in the last year. However, Internet users (odds ratio, OR = 2.87, 95% CI, 1.35-6.08), college graduates (OR = 2.92, 95% CI, 1.42-5.99), and those with frequent provider visits (OR = 1.94, 95% CI, 1.02-3.71) had a higher likelihood of online PPC via email or fax, while Hispanics and those from higher-income households were 2-3 times more likely to communicate via text messaging or phone/mobile apps. CONCLUSION: Patients' interest in and display of online PPC-related behaviors vary by age, race/ethnicity, education, income, Internet access/behaviors, and information type. These findings can inform efforts aimed at improving the use and adoption of eHealth technologies, which may contribute to a reduction in communication inequalities and health care disparities.
Authors: Douglas S Wakefield; David Mehr; Lynn Keplinger; Shannon Canfield; Rajitha Gopidi; Bonnie J Wakefield; Richelle J Koopman; Jeffery L Belden; Robin Kruse; Karl M Kochendorfer Journal: Int J Med Inform Date: 2010-05-15 Impact factor: 4.046
Authors: Jonathan A C Sterne; Ian R White; John B Carlin; Michael Spratt; Patrick Royston; Michael G Kenward; Angela M Wood; James R Carpenter Journal: BMJ Date: 2009-06-29
Authors: Ellen Burke Beckjord; Lila J Finney Rutten; Linda Squiers; Neeraj K Arora; Lindsey Volckmann; Richard P Moser; Bradford W Hesse Journal: J Med Internet Res Date: 2007-07-12 Impact factor: 5.428
Authors: Elke Ge Mathijssen; Johanna E Vriezekolk; Agnes Mm Eijsbouts; Frank Hj van den Hoogen; Bart Jf van den Bemt Journal: Patient Prefer Adherence Date: 2018-03-07 Impact factor: 2.711
Authors: Sabuj Kanti Mistry; Miranda Shaw; Freya Raffan; George Johnson; Katelyn Perren; Saito Shoko; Ben Harris-Roxas; Fiona Haigh Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2022-08-01 Impact factor: 4.614