Digital health equity gaps exist in patient portal engagement, even among older adults with chronic conditions who could benefit most from digital tools, according to research in the American Journal of Managed Care.
Here are six takeaways from the Jan. 12 study that analyzed EHR data of 250,345 patients 50 and older with chronic conditions at Minneapolis-based M Health Fairview:
1. Engagement dropped notably with age — only 42% of patients 65 and older had used the portal at least once, compared with much higher percentages among the 50–64 group.
2. Black patients had significantly lower portal activation and use, with 40% logging at least one session compared with much higher rates among White patients.
3. Portal engagement was especially low among patients whose preferred language was not English.
4. Highest engagement tended to be among those with more education. Those without any diploma had low engagement (about 53% activated). Patients with a high school diploma/GED had higher (about 76%).
5. Women had slightly higher activation (62%) and usage (56%) than men (59% and 52%).
6. Patients with diabetes, neoplasms, hypertension, or ischemic heart disease were more likely to use the portal. Those with heart failure or COPD showed lower engagement.
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