Patient web services integrated with a shared medical record: patient use and satisfaction.
OBJECTIVE
This study sought to describe the evolution, use, and user satisfaction of a patient Web site providing a shared medical record between patients and health professionals at Group Health Cooperative, a mixed-model health care financing and delivery organization based in Seattle, Washington.


METHODS
This study used a retrospective, serial, cross-sectional study from September 2002 through December 2005 and a mailed satisfaction survey of a random sampling of 2,002 patients.


METHODS
This study measured the adoption and use of a patient Web site (MyGroupHealth) from September 2002 through December 2005.


RESULTS
As of December 2005, 25% (105,047) of all Group Health members had registered and completed an identification verification process enabling them to use all of the available services on MyGroupHealth. Identification verification was more common among patients receiving care in the Integrated Delivery System (33%) compared with patients receiving care in the network (7%). As of December 2005, unique monthly user rates per 1,000 adult members were the highest for review of medical test results (54 of 1,000), medication refills (44 of 1,000), after-visit-summaries (32 of 1,000), and patient-provider clinical messaging (31 of 1,000). The response rate for the patient satisfaction survey was 46% (n = 921); 94% of survey respondents were satisfied or very satisfied with MyGroupHealth overall. Patients reported highest satisfaction (satisfied or very satisfied) for medication refills (96%), patient-provider messaging (93%), and medical test results (86%).


CONCLUSIONS
Use and satisfaction with MyGroupHealth were greatest for accessing services and information involving ongoing, active care and patient-provider communication. Tight integration of Web services with clinical information systems and patient-provider relationships may be important in meeting the needs of patients.
Ralston
James D
JD
Center for Health Studies, Group Health Cooperative, 1730 Minor Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101-1448, USA. ralston.j@ghc.org
Carrell
David
D
Reid
Robert
R
Anderson
Melissa
M
Moran
Maureena
M
Hereford
James
J
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001292:Attitude to Computers; D016494:Computer Security; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D019033:Delivery of Health Care, Integrated; D005260:Female; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006801:Humans; D007348:Insurance, Health; D020407:Internet / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D016014:Linear Models; D008297:Male; D016347:Medical Records Systems, Computerized / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008875:Middle Aged; D009862:Online Systems; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D018511:Systems Integration
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