Internet access and patient portal readiness among patients in a group of inner-city safety-net practices

  • Mechelle R. Sanders
  • , Paul Winters
  • , Robert J. Fortuna
  • , Michael Mendoza
  • , Marc Berliant
  • , Linda Clark
  • , Kevin Fiscella

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    29 Scopus citations

    Abstract

    The use of online personal health records (PHRs) threatens to transform the digital divide to a health care divide among the underserved. Little is known about underserved patients' ability to access online PHRs. We examined these factors among patients within safety-net practices. Among respondents (N = 654), only 12% had no experience of using a computer, and most were interested in using it to communicate with their provider. Age, sex, and race were not associated with interest in PHRs. A majority of patients have access to the Internet and are interested in using a PHR to manage their care, but they are not prepared.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)251-259
    Number of pages9
    JournalJournal of Ambulatory Care Management
    Volume36
    Issue number3
    DOIs
    StatePublished - Jul 2013

    Keywords

    • Digital divide
    • Electronic health records
    • Patient health records
    • Portals
    • Underserved

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