Evaluation of the implementation of a patient portal pilot intervention among people with type 2 diabetes at community health centers

TL;DR

A pilot program to help people with type 2 diabetes use a patient portal showed positive results and insights into challenges and successes.

Contribution

The study provides insights into implementing patient portals in community health centers for diabetes care.

Findings

Portal messages were educational and supportive, addressing social needs through referrals.

Technical barriers decreased over time, but competing demands increased.

Participants increased their use of online health resources.

Abstract

A pilot study of a multilevel, 6-month intervention (MAP) designed to increase patient portal use among patients with type 2 diabetes at community health centers (CHCs) showed promising results. The aim of this implementation analysis is to (1) describe the nurse–patient interactions and documentation of care during MAP, (2) report MAP implementation successes and challenges, and (3) describe participants’ use of other online health resources.

Data were collected from MAP nurses (n = 3) and participants (n = 22).

The content of portal messages between nurses and participants was educational and supportive. Numerous health-related social needs that influence participant diabetes self-management were identified, many of which were handled with relevant referrals. Participant-reported challenges changed over time, with technical barriers decreasing and competing demands increasing. Participants increased their use of online resources for health improvement.

Addressing implementation challenges may allow the expansion of programs like MAP in CHCs and ultimately improve diabetes outcomes.

clinicaltrials.gov, identifier NCT05180721.

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