Document Type
Article
Publication Date
8-2024
Keywords
patient portals, women, mental health, patients
Abstract
Abstract Background The integration of patient portals into health systems has the potential to increase access for women. For example, within a mental health context, women are at a higher risk of developing anxiety and depression but may experience barriers in accessing care. Therefore, the aim of this rapid review was to understand what is currently known about patient portal use among women. The objectives were (1) To discover pertinent facilitators for women when using patient portals; (2) To discern if women face individual barriers to accessing patient portals; and (3) To explore the potential role of patient portals for women’s mental health care. Methods A rapid review methodology was implemented using the Cochrane Rapid Reviews Methods Group, as well as a grey literature scan. Inclusion criteria included articles that focused on women’s use of patient portals within healthcare settings. Four databases were searched, including Embase, MEDLINE (Ovid), CINAHL and PsycINFO in September 2023. Two independent reviewers performed screening, data extraction, and analysis. Results This search resulted in screening 1385 titles and abstracts, and 82 articles for full-text eligibility. 15 articles were included in the review. Data were extracted and analyzed, guided by the research objectives. Facilitators to patient portal use included processes that enhanced user engagement, the provision of portal tools, and management of health care features. Barriers included health equity factors and use of medical jargon. Applications to mental health care included how use of portals eased women’s anxiety and increased their sense of internal control. Conclusions The results of this review indicate that interrelated factors influence women’s experiences with using patient portals. By understanding facilitators and barriers to portal use, and applications for mental health care, we can understand how to improve women’s use of portals in the future.
Faculty
Faculty of Applied Health & Community Studies
Journal
BMC Women's Health
Volume
24
Issue
1
Version
Publisher's version
Peer Reviewed/Refereed Publication
yes
Copyright
© BMC Women's Health
Terms of Use
Terms of Use for Works posted in SOURCE.
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.
Original Publication Citation
Durocher, K., Shin, H. D., Jackson, K. T., Strudwick, G. (2024). Women’s experiences of using patient portals in healthcare settings: a rapid review. BMC Women's Health, 24 (1) 1-8. https:\\doi.org/10.1186/s12905-024-03292-9.
SOURCE Citation
Durocher, Keri; Shin, Hwayeon Danielle; Jackson, Kimberley T.; and Strudwick, Gillian, "Women’s Experiences of Using Patient Portals in Healthcare Settings: A Rapid Review" (2024). Publications and Scholarship. 30.
https://source.sheridancollege.ca/fahcs_publications/30
