{"id":2908,"date":"2023-06-12T10:54:18","date_gmt":"2023-06-12T10:54:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vozo.xyz\/blog\/?p=2908"},"modified":"2024-02-20T09:46:32","modified_gmt":"2024-02-20T09:46:32","slug":"really-is-patient-portal-usage-growing-among-older-adults-why","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vozohealth.com\/blog\/really-is-patient-portal-usage-growing-among-older-adults-why","title":{"rendered":"Really? Is Patient Portal Usage Growing among Older Adults? Why?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>So many questions in a title. Wondering why? Let&#8217;s jump into the facts!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<!--more-->\n\n\n\n<p>According to a recent poll, a significantly larger number of older adults now use secure websites or applications to access their health information or engage in virtual healthcare appointments compared to five years ago.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/record.umich.edu\/articles\/older-adults-use-patient-portals-but-access-and-attitudes-vary\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" title=\"\">The study says,<\/a><\/strong> \u201cOverall, 78% of people age 50 to 80 have used at least one <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vozo.xyz\/patient-portal\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" title=\"\">patient portal<\/a><\/strong>, up from 51% in a poll taken five years ago, according to findings from the University of Michigan National Poll on Healthy Aging. Of those with portal access, 55% had used it in the past month, and 49% have accounts on more than one portal\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>RELATED: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vozo.xyz\/blog\/cms-patient-portal-promoting-interoperability-for-patient-engagement\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" title=\"\">CMS &amp; Patient Portal: Promoting Interoperability for Patient Engagement<\/a><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>These users are very much encouraged and backed up by the integration of telehealth into Patient portals.&nbsp;Let\u2019s jump into the details.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons aligncenter is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-outline is-style-outline--1\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-text-color\" href=\"https:\/\/www.vozo.xyz\/patient-portal\" style=\"border-radius:50px;color:#2250fc\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Get Patient Portal<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Reasons for Increasing Usage of Patient Portals among Older Adults<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>1. Increased accessibility<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Patient portals provide a convenient and accessible way for older adults to interact with their providers and access their personal health information<\/li><li>They can log in to the portal from the comfort of their own homes, eliminating the need for travel or phone calls<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>2. Convenience &amp; time-saving<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Patient portals allow older adults to schedule appointments, request prescription refills, and communicate with healthcare providers online<\/li><li>This saves time and effort compared to traditional methods such as making phone calls or visiting the doctor&#8217;s office in person<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>RELATED: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vozo.xyz\/blog\/patient-portal-the-healthy-tool-for-your-healthy-life\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" title=\"\">Patient Portal: The Healthy Tool for Your Healthy Life<\/a><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>3. Health information management<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Older adults often have complex medical histories and maybe manage multiple chronic conditions<\/li><li>Patient portals provide a centralized platform for them to access their medical records, test results, and treatment plans<\/li><li>This helps them stay organized and actively participate in their healthcare decision-making process<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>4. Secure communication<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Patient portals offer a secure platform for older adults to communicate with their healthcare providers<\/li><li>They can ask questions, clarify instructions, and seek medical advice without the need for face-to-face appointments or phone calls<\/li><li>This can be especially beneficial for individuals with mobility limitations or those residing in remote areas<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>5. Empowerment &amp; Engagement<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Patient portals empower older adults by involving them in their own healthcare management<\/li><li>They can review their health information, track progress, set goals, and monitor their conditions<\/li><li>This increased engagement can lead to better self-care and improved health outcomes<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>6. Digital literacy and technology adoption<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>As technology becomes more prevalent in healthcare, older adults are becoming increasingly comfortable with using digital tools<\/li><li>Many older adults now have smartphones, tablets, or computers, and are more willing to embrace online platforms like patient portals<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>It&#8217;s important to note that while the usage of patient portals is growing among older adults, there are still challenges to overcome like addressing disparities in digital access and ensuring user-friendly interfaces for individuals with varying levels of technological proficiency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Racial Disparities in the Patient Portal Utilization among Older Adults<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>According to the study, Patient portal utilization rates are lower among older adults with incomes below $60,000 annually, as well as among Black and Hispanic older adults, compared to their high-income and White counterparts.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Additionally, individuals in these groups express less comfort in using the patient portal compared to high-income individuals or those who identify as White.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Factors contributing to these disparities:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>1. Access to technology<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Disparities in access to technology and internet connectivity can hinder the utilization of patient portals among older adults from racial minority groups&nbsp;<\/li><li>Limited access to smartphones, computers, or reliable internet services can create barriers to using these online platforms<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>2. Digital literacy<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Racial minority populations, particularly older adults, may face challenges in terms of digital literacy and technology skills<\/li><li>Navigating patient portals and understanding how to use them effectively may be more difficult for individuals who are less familiar with technology<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>3. Language and cultural barriers<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Language and cultural barriers can also affect patient portal utilization<\/li><li>Some patient portals may not provide language options or culturally appropriate interfaces, making it more challenging for individuals from racial minority groups to engage with these platforms<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>4. Health literacy<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Health literacy disparities can impact the utilization of patient portals<\/li><li>Older adults from racial minority groups may have lower health literacy levels, which can hinder their ability to understand and use patient portals effectively<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>5. Trust and privacy concerns<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Trust in the healthcare system and concerns about privacy and data security can influence patient portal utilization<\/li><li>Historical experiences of racial discrimination and disparities in healthcare can contribute to a lack of trust, leading some individuals to be hesitant in using patient portals<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Addressing these Disparities requires Targeted Efforts<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>1. Increasing access to technology<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Ensuring equitable access to affordable devices, internet connectivity, and digital infrastructure is essential in bridging the technology gap.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>2. Promoting digital literacy<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Providing resources &amp; training programs that specifically target older adults from racial minority groups can help enhance their digital skills and confidence in using patient portals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>3. Culturally &amp; linguistically appropriate interfaces<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Developing patient portals that are designed to accommodate diverse languages and cultural backgrounds can improve engagement and utilization among racial minority populations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>4. Improving health literacy<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Enhancing health literacy through educational initiatives, plain language materials, and culturally sensitive communication can empower older adults to effectively use patient portals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>5. Building trust and addressing privacy concerns<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Healthcare organizations must prioritize transparency, data security, and addressing historical injustices to build trust among racial minority populations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Final Thoughts<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Training for patients on the proper usage of patient portals will help break these racial and financial barriers to a major extent. There should be more efforts and financial backup initiatives for providing broadband access to those with lower incomes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>By implementing targeted efforts to bridge the gaps, healthcare organizations can strive towards achieving equitable utilization of patient portals among older adults from all racial backgrounds.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This will contribute to enhancing healthcare access, engagement, and outcomes for older adults across diverse populations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vozo.xyz\/patient-portal\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" title=\"\"><strong>Vozo Patient Portal<\/strong><\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Vozo patient portal software <\/strong>has incredibly empowered patients with advanced &amp; simplified portal features. This includes secure one-to-one messaging and easy appointment scheduling. Also provides easy access to lab reports and record consultations. Requesting and refilling e-prescriptions are way too simple now.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Your problems:&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Integration or implementation issues?<\/li><li>Doubting the support system?<\/li><li>Looking for a portal under your budget?&nbsp;<\/li><li>Switching or upgrading to the Vozo patient portal?<\/li><li>Finding troubles with usage or functions?<\/li><li>Facing an issue with getting patients to opt-in?<\/li><li>Security concerns?<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Our solutions:&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Our software can be easily implemented &amp; integrated with any EHR system. It improves practice workflow and productivity.<\/li><li>Our team of professionals is readily available 24\/7 to get things done for you no matter what\u2019s your practice size.<\/li><li>Vozo patient portal fits your budget perfectly with monthly subscription plans.<\/li><li>Switching to our portal is a very simple process, you won\u2019t need any help, yet our team has your back.<\/li><li>We provide various step-by-step tutorials and help to get you on track with the portal.<\/li><li>Our portal is simple to use and understandable to all. Once they get to try this then there will be no turning back.<\/li><li>Our portal has strong privacy and security safeguards in place.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>\u201cLet\u2019s empower your patients with the best cost-effective patient portal, together\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons aligncenter is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-fill\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-background\" href=\"https:\/\/www.vozo.xyz\/talk-to-us\" style=\"border-radius:50px;background-color:#2250fc\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Reach Us<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>So many questions in a title. Wondering why? Let&#8217;s jump into the facts!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2927,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[17],"tags":[37,434],"class_list":["post-2908","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-patient-portal","tag-patient-portal","tag-patient-portal-usage"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vozohealth.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2908","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vozohealth.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vozohealth.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vozohealth.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vozohealth.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2908"}],"version-history":[{"count":21,"href":"https:\/\/www.vozohealth.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2908\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2931,"href":"https:\/\/www.vozohealth.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2908\/revisions\/2931"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vozohealth.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2927"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vozohealth.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2908"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vozohealth.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2908"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vozohealth.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2908"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}