In the world of health care, which is in the fast lane, patient portals have become vital members of an EMR and EHR system. These portals are an online bridge that allows patients to connect to their health records, as well as to participate in the process, thus, improving the transparency and enhancing the involvement of patients in their care. Along with health systems striving to become patient-centred, patient portals become key tools in the transformation process by enlightening people to take part in the management of their health.
Purpose of Patient Portals
The primary purpose of a patient portal is to enable patients to take control of their health through the provision of secure, online access to their medical records, test results, and other details. These portals provide a platform where healthcare providers can communicate, and patients can have self-management, leading to better patient outcomes (Carini et al., 2021). Besides, patient portals feature several convenient options, including messaging with healthcare professionals and scheduling appointments and prescription refills, aiding in cutting through the red tape (Dendere et al., 2019). This could be the case because of the increased accessibility and convenience, which would eventually lead to better adherence to treatment plans and better health management for patients.
Return on Investment (ROI)
Whereas the deployment of patient portals implies an initial expenditure dedicated to technological resources and skills, the end outcome has the potential of being a huge profit in the long run. Researchers have proved that patient portals not only promote increased patient engagement and on-time medication prescription but also decrease no-show rates for appointments as well (Dendere et al., 2019). In addition, portals for patients developed for the purpose of secure online communication, as well as reducing administrative processes, can allow for cost savings for healthcare organizations. This cost reduction, in turn, with higher patient satisfaction and loyalty to a certain extent, leads to a positive return on investment (ROI) (Avdagovska et al., 2020). Such a cost-effective solution with the likelihood of good patient outcomes is a strategic investment for healthcare organizations.
Challenges and Barriers
There are, however, some advantages for patient portals, but they face some obstacles and challenges in their adoption. One of the biggest problems is the digital divide, where a certain part of the population may not have the opportunity to access or master digital technology, which in turn complicates the practice of self-care through patient portals. Moreover, a two-fold price tag of data privacy and security can motivate patients to stay away from these digital mediums (Kooij et al., 2018). Healthcare providers should also address the increase in workloads and the comprehensive training program to be able to cater to patient portal integration into their work.
Opportunities for Continuity and Business Structure
The patients’ portals allow healthcare organizations to take advantage of the consistent services as well as structure in its business. Through smooth messaging and data exchange, patient portals can help coordinate care among different healthcare providers, which, in the end, leads to better continuity of care. It enables the provider organization to eliminate duplication, reduce error and ensure that the patient receives integrated, seamless care across the continuum of healthcare settings (Otte-Trojel et al., 2015). Moreover, patient portals can work together with other healthcare information systems on the administrative level, like practice management software and revenue cycle management solutions, to optimize operational performance because of increased efficiency and productivity.
Recommendation and Rationale
In consideration of the obstacles and to make the most of the return on investment, healthcare institutions should incorporate patient portals as part of an entire EMR/EHR strategy. This includes user-oriented design, digital literacy programs, security-related features, processing and integration of workflows, and interoperability as the key term. Patient portals can be designed with the involvement of patients and healthcare providers, customizing them specifically to the needs and preferences of the individuals using them, which makes them intuitive and user-friendly (Kooij et al., 2018). Implementation of educational programs and support services is necessary so that patients can learn how to properly utilize these digital platforms to help them bridge the digital divide.
Multiple data security protocols, adherence to relevant regulations, and transparent communication of privacy practices are essential to develop patient confidence and trust. Moreover, providing patient portals integrated with the existing healthcare workflows and supported by comprehensive training for healthcare professionals will minimize disruptions and ensure successful adoption (Kooij et al., 2018). Additionally, placing data interoperability across other healthcare information systems first can enhance data exchange and simplify the operational processes, ultimately optimising the overall workflow and business structure.
The patient portals are a revolutionary agent in the healthcare sector, with a dual aim of enhancing patient power and forging a concerted approach to care. Although patient portal implementation might be demanding in terms of organizational resource allocation and planning, they provide too many benefits, including improved patient outcomes, cost saving, and enhanced healthcare system efficiency, to be ignored. By implementing strategies to overcome the challenges and capitalize on the benefits of these digital platforms, healthcare organizations can assume the role of patient-centric care pioneers and thus contribute to the development of a more efficient and ecologically responsible healthcare system in the long run.
References
Avdagovska, M., Devidas, M., & Stafinski, T. (2020). How the impact of patient portals is captured based on the Quadruple Aim and the Benefits Evaluation Frameworks: A scoping review (Preprint). Journal of Medical Internet Research, 22(12). https://doi.org/10.2196/24568
Carini, E., Villani, L., Pezzullo, A. M., Gentili, A., Barbara, A., Ricciardi, W., & Boccia, S. (2021). The Impact of Digital Patient Portals on Health Outcomes, System Efficiency, and Patient Attitudes: Updated Systematic Literature Review. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 23(9), e26189. https://doi.org/10.2196/26189
Dendere, R., Slade, C., Burton-Jones, A., Sullivan, C., Staib, A., & Janda, M. (2019). Patient portals facilitating engagement with inpatient electronic medical records: A systematic review. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 21(4). https://doi.org/10.2196/12779
Kooij, L., Groen, W. G., & van Harten, W. H. (2018). Barriers and Facilitators Affecting Patient Portal Implementation from an Organizational Perspective: Qualitative Study. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 20(5), e183. https://doi.org/10.2196/jmir.8989
Otte-Trojel, T., Rundall, T. G., de Bont, A., van de Klundert, J., & Reed, M. E. (2015). The organizational dynamics enabling patient portal impacts upon organizational performance and patient health: a qualitative study of Kaiser Permanente. BMC Health Services Research, 15(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-015-1208-2
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