Question

Healthcare Information Systems

1. What elements should be incorporated into a patient portal? Are they useful? And what are the benefits?

2. Will patient portals and Personal Health Records work? Will they lead to healthier population? How can wellness programs be incorporated into patient portals?

Answer 1

1. In the Healthcare Information System, the electronic medical reports and patient information is provided in a secure website which can be accessed by physicians and patients known as patient portals which improve in the patient and healthcare system interact better. The elements that should be incorporated into the HRIS are

• A welcome screen
• Patient details like login and password, new sign up.
• Information on how to operate and register
• Patient demographic details and other habits etc.
• Tips for a healthy life
• Quick links like search, ask a question to the doctor
• Scheduling Doctor appointment
• Refill medicines by uploading prescriptions
• View test reports, check-up dates, re-schedule or cancel appointments etc,

Yes, the patient portals are useful as it has reduced the waiting time, lessened the number of office operators, increased efficiency, ease of access etc.

The benefits are

• It increases patient engagement
• It promotes loyalty of the patients
• It manages cost and maintains transparency
• It streamlines workflows
• It secures online privacy and it becomes patient-centric
• increased office and administration efficiency
• It reduces medical errors

2. Yes, the patient portals and Personal Health Records will work, rather it is already being used in many countries and they are successful in maintaining HRIS. Yes, they will lead to a healthier population as it also creates awareness for the patients and they can keep track of their health by sending alerts for rechecks, routine checkups etc. In 2014, ONC report highlighted 46% patients viewed their reports online. Wellness programs include success stories inclusion of weight loss, smoking cessation, patient education on several diseases, avoidance of cancer, food to consume during the day, do's and do not's for better healthy life can be incorporated in the patient portals. Symptoms of some common diseases and instant relief techniques can be included in the portal in useful links etc.