Health literacy needs to be more accessible to patients to empower them with the best care possible. According to the Center for Health Care Strategies, almost 90% of adults in the United States face challenges with health literacy. One way patients can improve their health literacy is through electronic health record (EHR) patient portals. 

EHR patient portals are secure online platforms that allow patients to access their personal health information and medical records. These portals allow patients to view test results, request prescription refills, schedule appointments, communicate with healthcare providers, and manage various aspects of their healthcare. 

In this article, we will discuss the benefits and challenges of implementing EHR patient portals to improve health literacy among your patients. 

Features of EHR Patient Portals

Even though the functionalities in EHR patient portals may differ, they should typically offer the following key features:

• Access to Medical Records: EHR patient portals store medical records that patients can easily access. Patients can view their health information, including test results, diagnoses, treatment plans, and immunization history.
• Appointment Scheduling: Patients can schedule, reschedule, or cancel appointments with their healthcare providers directly through EHR portals. This can also make it easier for hospitals and clinics to keep track of their appointments and respond to requests in real-time.
• Prescription Refills: In some EHR portals, patients can request medication refills without calling or visiting their healthcare provider.
• Direct Communication with Healthcare Providers: Through the EHR portal’s secure messaging, patients can communicate directly with their healthcare providers, ask questions, and receive advice and follow-up information.

How EHR Patient Portals Promote Health Literacy

EHR patient portals can help engage, inform, and empower patients, improving their overall health literacy.

Here are some ways EHR patient portals can achieve health literacy among patients:

Improved Access to Information 

You can store a wealth of knowledge online, and EHR patient portals make relevant information accessible to patients.

Similar to EMR systems, EHR patient portals provide patients with easy access to their personal health information, including lab results, medical history, and treatment plans. This availability of data allows patients to stay informed about their health status and monitor any changes over time. As a result, your patients can better understand their medical conditions and the implications of their lab results. 

Moreover, you can add educational resources to your EHR portals related to specific diagnoses, medications, and general health maintenance, which can help patients learn more about their health and make informed decisions.

Patient Empowerment

You can use EHR patient portals to empower patients to actively participate in managing their health. By allowing patients to access their health information and track their medical history, patients can more effectively care for themselves. 

For instance, they can prepare for appointments by reviewing their records, noting any changes or questions they have, and discussing these with their healthcare providers. This proactive involvement helps patients feel more in control of their health and can lead to a greater commitment to following treatment plans and preventive measures.

Improved Communication

When you transact online, it is a real-time convenient form of communication. Patients and healthcare providers can experience enhanced communication when they start using EHR portals.

Through secure messaging features on EHR portals, patients can ask questions, report symptoms, and seek clarification on medical advice without the need for an office visit. 

This keeps an ongoing dialogue that helps your patients better understand their health conditions and treatments. It can also reduce misunderstandings and foster a more collaborative relationship with their healthcare team. 

Since the improved communication is facilitated through EHR portals, it ensures that patients are more engaged and consistent in their care.

Educational Tools

As we discuss the role of EHR patient portals in promoting health literacy among patients, using them as an educational resource is one of the most straightforward ways EHR portals can improve health literacy. 

EHR patient portals often include a wealth of educational materials and resources tailored to individual patient needs. These tools may cover a range of topics, from managing chronic conditions to lifestyle changes for better health. So, when you use EHR portals, your patients can access information that is relevant and easily accessible. 

As a result, patients expand their knowledge about their health and how to maintain it. You can EHR portals based on a patient’s medical history and current health status, ensuring that the information is pertinent and useful. 

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Benefits of Enhanced Health Literacy Through EHR Patient Portals

Once EHR patient portals are implemented and you notice improved health literacy among your patients, you will begin to notice these benefits:

• Improved Health Outcomes: When your patients have easy access to their medical information and educational resources, they are better equipped to monitor their conditions and recognize early warning signs that may require medical attention. Patients who are more informed about their health are also more likely to adhere to prescribed treatments and lifestyle changes, which can significantly improve their quality of life.
• Increased Patient Engagement: Engaged patients are more likely to ask questions, seek clarification, and participate in shared decision-making, which enhances the overall patient-provider relationship and ensures that care plans are tailored to the patient’s unique needs and preferences. Patients will also have access to a broad spectrum of health professionals, including graduates of top ADN to NP programs.
• Cost Savings: When your patients are better informed and engaged, they are less likely to experience complications that result in costly emergency room visits or hospitalizations. Furthermore, the effective management of chronic diseases can prevent complications that require intensive treatments, reducing healthcare expenses. At the same time, streamlined communication and efficient appointment scheduling through portals can optimize healthcare resources and reduce administrative costs.

Challenges and Barriers To EHR Portals

Despite the potential of improved health literacy through EHR portals, there are some challenges health institutions can face in its implementation:

• Digital Divide: Many individuals, particularly those from low-income, rural, or elderly populations, may lack the necessary devices, internet access, or digital literacy skills to use these portals effectively. This disparity can exacerbate existing health inequities, as those who could benefit the most from improved access to health information and services are often the least likely to have it. 
• Privacy Concerns: Patients may be reluctant to use EHR portals if they have concerns about the confidentiality and safety of their health data. One solution is to educate patients about the security features of EHR portals and how their data is protected, which can help build trust and encourage more widespread use.
• User-Friendliness: Many patients may struggle to navigate these portals, which can deter them from using the available features. To increase patient portal usage, UX designers must provide intuitive, easy-to-use interfaces that accommodate users of all ages and technological backgrounds.

Boost Health Literacy to EHR Patient Portals

In this blog post, we explored how electronic health record (EHR) patient portals are crucial in promoting health literacy among patients. These secure online platforms offer various features that make health information more accessible, including access to medical records, appointment scheduling, prescription refills, and direct communication with healthcare providers. 

Healthcare providers are encouraged to adopt and promote the use of EHR patient portals to enhance health literacy and improve patient care. Start by educating your patients about the benefits of using EHR portals, ensuring robust security measures, and making the interfaces as user-friendly as possible. Together, we can bridge the gap in health literacy and create a healthier, more informed patient population.