Patient Portals: Vital Resource for Health Management

As a health information professional, the findings from the 2022 HINTS survey showcase promising growth in patient access and use of health data through online medical records and patient portals. Our field has long advocated for the empowerment of individuals with their own health information. It is critical for patient engagement and improved health outcomes. So, I am pleased to see a significant increase in patient portal access since the implementation of key interoperability policies.  

Read the overview of the report here.

The fact that 3 in 5 individuals are now accessing their health records online demonstrates that both patient demand and provider enablement of easy access are rising. Patients are not just sporadically checking their records either - the frequency of access has markedly increased over the years, with a third accessing their records 6 or more times in the past year. This indicates that online access is becoming a regular part of patients' health management activities. 

It is also remarkable to observe that half of patients are now using smartphone apps to access their records, not just provider web portals. This mobility and convenience are causing more frequent health record usage. As health information professionals, we recognize that putting data directly into the hands of individuals is essential for patient engagement and tailored self-care. 

However, there are still opportunities to improve access and full utilization of patient portals. I am concerned that few people are downloading their health data or transmitting it to third parties. Our role must include educating both patients and providers on these valuable features of portals. Although adoption is still low, I anticipate the use of apps that consolidate data across multiple portals to increase in the future as interoperability advances.  

Overall, as a health information professional, I am reassured that recent policies and industry efforts are moving us in the right direction. But we must continue prioritizing innovations and initiatives that get patients more engaged with their own health data. This will enable individuals, increase health outcomes, and maximize the value of health information technology.