Abstract
BackgroundPatients are increasingly able to access their laboratory test results via patient portals. However, merely providing access does not guarantee comprehension. Patients could experience confusion when reviewing their test results.ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to examine the challenges and needs of patients when comprehending laboratory test results.MethodsWe conducted a web-based survey with 203 participants and a set of semistructured interviews with 13 participants. We assessed patients’ perceived challenges and needs (both informational and technological needs) when they attempted to comprehend test results, factors associated with patients’ perceptions, and strategies for improving the design of patient portals to communicate laboratory test results more effectively. Descriptive and correlation analysis and thematic analysis were used to analyze the survey and interview data, respectively.ResultsPatients face a variety of challenges and confusion when reviewing laboratory test results. To better comprehend laboratory results, patients need different types of information, which are grouped into 2 categories—generic information (eg, reference range) and personalized or contextual information (eg, treatment options, prognosis, what to do or ask next). We also found that several intrinsic factors (eg, laboratory result normality, health literacy, and technology proficiency) significantly impact people’s perceptions of using portals to view and interpret laboratory results. The desired enhancements of patient portals include providing timely explanations and educational resources (eg, a health encyclopedia), increasing usability and accessibility, and incorporating artificial intelligence–based technology to provide personalized recommendations.ConclusionsPatients face significant challenges in interpreting the meaning of laboratory test results. Designers and developers of patient portals should employ user-centered approaches to improve the design of patient portals to present information in a more meaningful way.
Highlights
MotivationRapid and accurate communication of laboratory test results to patients is critical [1]
To further understand patients’ information needs and challenges related to understanding laboratory test results, we conducted semistructured interviews with 13 people who had participated in the previous survey (Table 3)
Challenges in Comprehending Laboratory Test Results The results showed that only 55.2% (112/203) of participants reported that they were contacted by their physician before reviewing the results in the patient portal, suggesting that it is http://www.jmir.org/2020/12/e18725/
Summary
MotivationRapid and accurate communication of laboratory test results to patients is critical [1]. Guidelines, and initiatives have been implemented to encourage health care organizations to provide patients with easy access to their test results through patient-facing technologies [4,5], such as patient portals, which are often linked to electronic health record systems [6,7] It is well recognized by the health informatics community that increasing patients’ access to their data can lead to better patient-centered medical care [8], greater patient engagement in medical decision making [3,4,9], and enhanced patient-clinician relationship [10,11]. Many portals only provide test results to patients in a tabular format with standard reference ranges, similar to the format received by clinicians. Designers and developers of patient portals should employ user-centered approaches to improve the design of patient portals to present information in a more meaningful way
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