BACKGROUND
Patient portals are increasingly deployed in healthcare systems as communication and information-sharing tools for patients and providers. While portals show promise in addressing healthcare access, quality, and outcomes, research on portal access and use patterns among diverse populations is limited, including among Chinese Americans.
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to summarize existing evidence on the access and use patterns, barriers, and facilitators of patient portals among Chinese Americans, and to identify gaps and areas for future research.
METHODS
The authors conducted a scoping review using the PRISMA Protocol for Scoping Reviews of articles published in major databases (MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO) on the topic of patient portals and Chinese Americans. Authors independently reviewed the papers during initial screening and full-text review. The studies were analyzed and coded for study method type, sample population, and main outcomes of interest.
RESULTS
In total 17 articles were selected for inclusion in the review. The included articles varied in study aims, methodology, data collection, sample population, and geographic areas of study. The majority of studies were cross-sectional in nature. Major findings and themes identified from the articles include: variable patterns of patient portal access and use among Chinese Americans compared to other racial/ethnic groups; limited evidence on the specific barriers and facilitators of access and use for this group; a reliance on quantitative proxy measures (e.g. log-ins, click-throughs) to assess portal access and use; and a pattern of aggregating Chinese American-related data into a larger Asian or Asian American designation.
CONCLUSIONS
There is limited research dedicated to understanding the use patterns, experiences, and needs of Chinese Americans who access and utilize patient portal systems. Most research is cross-sectional, focusing on disparities in use and access, and have tended to aggregate the Chinese American experience into that of Asian Americans. Future research should focus specifically on Chinese Americans and prioritize more detailed evaluations of their relationship to patient portal technology to understand specific use patterns, preferences, and needs. A broader understanding of the diversity of health technology users can help ensure applicable and equitable design, development, and implementation of these tools.
CLINICALTRIAL
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