Patient experiences at primary care practices using electronic health records.
We assessed patient experiences before and one year after electronic health record (EHR) implementation among primary care practices in New York City. These practices represented an ethnically diverse population in lower-income, urban communities. Surveys, available in English, Spanish, and Chinese languages, were administered at 10 sites. Generally, patients reported positive responses during both periods. After EHR implementation, patients were more likely to want e-mail communication with their doctors' office. The 70% of patients with Internet access were generally more satisfied with their experience and more likely to recognize benefits of EHRs. However, older patients and those with lower education levels or chronic diseases were significantly less likely than their counterparts to use the Internet. Therefore, disparities in Internet access could potentially lead to unequal access and use of healthcare if not addressed. Practices should routinely record patient communication preferences within the EHR, to tailor communications and improve patient experiences.
Primary Care Information Project, New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, 42-09 28th Street, CN-52, WS 12-67, Long island City, New York 11101-4132, USA. sdeleon@health.nyc.gov
Samantha F
SF
De Leon
Sheryl L
SL
Silfen
Jason J
JJ
Wang
Taafoi S
TS
Kamara
Winfred Y
WY
Wu
Sarah C
SC
Shih
D000368:Aged; D057286:Electronic Health Records; D005260:Female; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008507:Medically Underserved Area; D009519:New York City; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011320:Primary Health Care