Challenges in Adopting Online Patient Portal Platform for Elder Patients

Online patient portals have been revolutionized and promote self-care management. It gives convenience for patients to access health records, schedule appointments, and communicate with healthcare providers. 

These platforms have significantly improved patient engagement and streamlined healthcare delivery. However, for elder patients, adopting this online patient portal platform can be challenging. 

Nowadays, healthcare systems increasingly rely on digital solutions so, it is crucial to address specific needs and challenges faced by elder patients. This blog post shares the common challenges in adopting online patient portal platforms for elder patients.

What is an Online Patient Portal?

The online patient portal is a platform specially designed for patients in self-care management. It allows access to their health information from anywhere, anytime (24/7) using a device and with a good internet connection. 

Using a secure username and password, patients can view health information such as medications, health records, discharge summaries, immunizations, allergies, lab results, and recent doctor visits.

Some online patient portals have various features that enable patients to do more like:

• Scheduling appointments
• Request prescription refills
• Communicate with providers online
• Update contact information
• Pay medical bills
• View education resources
• Check benefits and coverage

Related: How Patient Portals Enhance Access to Your Health Records

Challenges Associated with Online Patient Portal for Elder Patients

There are many challenges associated with online patient portals for elder patients. Navigating all these obstacles is crucial.

1. Limited Technological Accessibility

• While adopting online patient portals, elder patients often struggle with various technical challenges.
• Most elder patients spend their lives without smartphones or computers.
• The unfamiliarity with modern devices and interfaces can make navigating online patient portals daunting.
• Also, accessibility issues may arise. 
• Some of the patient portals often have small text, complex navigation, or designs that are initiative for elder patients.

2. Health-Related Obstacles

• Some of the elder patients might have health-related issues that impact their ability to adopt the system.
• For instance, cognitive impairments like memory loss, trouble concentrating, completing tasks, understanding, remembering, and more.
• Additionally, physical limitations such as vision problems can make reading small texts on screen challenging.
• Moreover, elderly patients often have chronic health conditions that require more features like medication management, symptom tracking, and care coordination.
• These health-related obstacles become a hurdle in adapting the technology.

3. Privacy and Security Concerns

• Elder patients often have concerns about online portals, particularly when it comes to personal health information.
• Many older patients might struggle to understand modern health data protection.
• This lack of familiarity can lead to increased anxiety when thinking about potential security breaches or unauthorized medical records access.
• The fear of identity theft becomes a significant barrier to adopting the technology.

4. Lack of Personal Touch

• The patient portals are digitalized solutions that often clash with elder patients who prefer face-to-face interactions with healthcare providers.
• Many elder patients value the personal connection that comes with in-person consultations.
• The human connection for elder patients is more important, who may be experiencing social isolation.

Related: Case Study: How Lucia Manages Medication Efficiently with the Vozo Patient Portal App

5. Implementation of Support Issues

• The inadequate implementation and support strategies might be hindered the adoption of online patient portals for elder patients.
• Many healthcare providers fail to provide training sessions tailored to the needs of elder patients.
• Limited access to ongoing technical support can make elderly patients feel frustrated and abandoned when they encounter difficulties.
• Furthermore, for many older persons, the absence of family members or carers from the portal-using process means that they are missing out on an important source of support.

Potential Solutions to Navigate the Challenges in Adopting Online Patient Portals for Elder Patients

Addressing these challenges of adopting an online patient portal is crucial. For the successful adoption of online patient portals for elder patients:

• Implementing a simple and user-friendly interface with larger texts, clear navigation, and intuitive layouts can improve usability.
• Comprehensive training programs tailored to elder patients are crucial including hands-on sessions and easy-to-follow guides.
• Integrating family members or caregivers into portal management allows for shared responsibility and support.
• Develop a hybrid models that combine traditional and digital communication methods which makes the transition easier.
• Improving security measures and clearly describing data protection processes might help relieve privacy concerns.

Vozo’s Secure Patient Portal Platform and Mobile App

If you are searching for a reliable patient portal app and online platform, the Vozo ClientX has incredibly empowered patients with advanced & simplified portal features. This includes secure one-on-one messaging and easy appointment scheduling. 

It also provides easy access to lab reports and record consultations. Requesting and refilling e-prescriptions is way too simple now. 

Our comprehensive solution makes your lifestyle healthier by encouraging you to be proactively involved in your healthcare journey.

• The Vozo ClientX can easily integrate with your EHR system, ensuring improved efficiency and productivity.
• Our Support Team is available 24/7 to ensure you get things done anytime, regardless of your practice size.
• Vozo ClientX has an affordable subscription model that benefits healthcare practices at all levels.
• We also provide step-by-step training sessions to help you efficiently use the platform.
• Our platform has a simple, user-friendly interface where anyone can use our app without any tech knowledge.
• Our Patient Portal app has strong privacy and security to ensure the safeguarding of crucial information.
• Vozo ClientX can be easily customizable to meet the specific needs and requirements of your healthcare specialty.

Empower the Vozo ClientX and proactively be involved in your healthcare journey!