Patients utilizing online health tools were more likely to get preventative tests, based on a Kaiser Permanente study, according to Healthcare IT News.
The researchers examined electronic health records of 838,638 Southern California Kaiser Permanente members. Of those members, 40 percent use the online Patient Action Plan. American Journal of Preventative Medicine published the study.
Here are five notes:
1. Many patients do not receive preventative health screenings, chronic disease management tasks and vaccinations, according to the study.
2. Of those patients using online portals, 8.8 percent were more likely to receive colorectal cancer screenings, compared to those patients who didn't use online portals.
3. The study also found patients using online portals were 11.9 percent more likely to complete HbA1c testing. Of online users, 9.2 percent were more likely to receive mammogram screenings and were 6.1 percent more likely to receive Pap smears.
4. The researchers found no significant variances between online users and non-online users for patient access to health data, appointment reminders and patient engagement for vaccinations.
5. The study authors concluded a customized online communication tool can directly engage patients in their healthcare, closing gaps in care.
