Health IT
Web-based patient portals are effective in helping diabetics obtain medical advice, lab results and other information, but the technology cannot replace more personal communication between a patient and doctor, researchers report in a study in the Journal of General Internal Medicine.
According to the study, patients' acceptance of the portals varies, with disinterest in the technology linked to:
- Satisfaction with the patient-provider relationship;
- Difficulty using the portal; and
- Fear of losing relationships or e-mail contact with doctors.
In addition, the authors noted that patients were not concerned about confidentiality problems with the portal.
The study concluded that further research is needed to determine whether the technology could improve care for patients with limited resources and transportation difficulties, or whether it could increase economic and racial disparities (Zickmund et al., Journal of General Internal Medicine, January 2008). This is part of the California Healthline Daily Edition, a summary of health policy coverage from major news organizations. Sign up for an email subscription.