The impact of a comprehensive electronic patient portal on the health service use: an interrupted time-series analysis

Abstract Background There is little empirical research on the potential benefit that electronic patient portals (EPP) can have on the care quality and health outcomes of diverse multi-ethnic international populations. The purpose of this study is to determine the extent to which an EPP was associate...

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Published in:European journal of public health 2019-06, Vol.29 (3), p.413-418
Main Authors: Martínez Nicolás, Ismael, Lê Cook, Benjamin, Flores, Michael, Del Olmo Rodriguez, Marta, Hernández Rodríguez, Corazón, Llamas Sillero, Pilar, Baca-Garcia, Enrique
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Chronic conditions
Chronic illnesses
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Congestive heart failure
Emergency medical care
Emergency medical services
Empirical analysis
Health services
Hematological diseases
Hospitals
Implementation
Patients
Populations
Public health
Quality of care
Quasi-experimental methods
Research methodology
Time series
Web portals
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Summary:Abstract Background There is little empirical research on the potential benefit that electronic patient portals (EPP) can have on the care quality and health outcomes of diverse multi-ethnic international populations. The purpose of this study is to determine the extent to which an EPP was associated with improvements in health service use. Methods Using a quasi-experimental interrupted time-series approach, we assessed health service use before (April 2012–September 2015) and after (October 2015–December 2016) the implementation of a comprehensive EPP at four hospitals in Madrid, Spain. Primary outcomes were number of outpatient visits, any hospital admission, any 30-day all-cause readmission and any emergency department visit. Results Implementation of the EPP was associated with a significant decline in readmissions. Among patients with chronic heart failure, EPP implementation was associated with a significant decline for all outcome measures, and among patients with COPD, a decline in all outcomes except readmissions. Among patients diagnosed with malignant hematological diseases, no significant changes were identified. Conclusions EPPs hold promise for reducing hospital readmissions. Certain patient populations with chronic conditions may differentially benefit from portal use depending on their needs for communication with their providers.
ISSN:1101-1262
1464-360X
DOI:10.1093/eurpub/cky257