Promoting patient-centered preventive care using a wellness portal: preliminary findings

Optimal delivery of preventive services requires appropriate information processing and patient involvement. However, information is limited in preventive service delivery that integrates health information technology (HIT). This study aimed to develop and pilot test an Internet-based wellness portal to facilitate patient-centered care. Guiding portal development, an advisory panel systematically identified portal elements/features and engaged in the Delphi technique to achieve consensus on portal structure. To pilot test the portal, 30 patients were randomly recruited from 2 practices to complete a questionnaire. Frequency statistics were compiled for structured questions, and content analyses were conducted to examine qualitative responses on portal utility. Participant age ranged from 23 to 83 years (mean, 41 years). About 78% were female, 22% were ethnic minorities, and 80% had some college education. The portal provides a personalized wellness plan for preventive services based on patient demographics, medical history, risk factors, medications, laboratory tests, and functions like symptoms tracking, access to education materials, and secure patient-practice communication. Patients rated the portal in ease of use, importance, and utility/value. Over 90% found the portal easy to use in terms of navigation, finding information, comprehension, and instructions. Patients regarded the portal as an important tool in achieving wellness, improving patient-practice interactions, and a valuable resource. Contents analyses showed that patients found the portal helpful, particularly its reminder and tracking functions. Patients with basic computer literacy may use a simple, consumer-oriented Web site to manage their preventive care. The portal exemplifies how HIT may encourage active patient participation in their care and potentially improve health outcomes.