Prevalence and predictors of online patient access to electronic medical records among patients with cancer.

Abstract

35 Background: Although the impact of patient access to health records and providers has not been well studied in cancer populations, these applications are now widely employed at cancer centers nationwide. Understanding implications of this practice in cancer patients is critical as patient-reported symptoms may be more likely to represent medical emergencies and test results may be more likely to represent major clinical developments. Methods: Retrospective analysis of enrollment in and use of MyChart, an internet-based patient portal for the EPIC electronic medical record, among patients seen at the Harold C. Simmons Cancer Center at UT Southwestern Medical Center. Predictors of MyChart use were analyzed through univariate and multivariate regression models. Results: A total of 6,495 patients enrolled in MyChart (2006-2012). Mean age was 60 ± 13 years, and 67% were female. The number of patients enrolling per year increased more than five-fold - 181 in 2006 to 1,146 in 2012. The total number of MyChart log-ins was 707,746. Per patient, median total log-ins was 57 (range 1-10,347). In a multivariate model, increased MyChart use was associated with male gender (p=0.01) and with cancer type (p<0.001), with highest rates among patients with genitourinary and upper aerodigestive malignancies. The most common MyChart activities were review of laboratory and radiology results (35%), communicating with providers (34%) [including messaging (29%) and medical advice request (5%)], and appointment scheduling/canceling (18%). Eighty-nine percent of log-ins occurred Monday-Friday. Login-times were 8a-5p (72%), 5p-11p (17%), and 11p-8a (11%). Approximately 32% of messaging (40% of medical advice requests) occurred outside clinic hours. Conclusions: Patient use of an internet-based patient health portal at an NCI-designated cancer center increased dramatically in recent years. The most common activities were viewing of test results and messaging with providers. A substantial proportion of messaging, particularly advice requests, occurred outside clinic hours. Further study of this technology is needed to understand its impact on patient safety, patient/provider satisfaction, and quality of care.