JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Personal clinical data such as laboratory test results are increasingly being made available to patients via patient portals. However, laboratory test results are presented via portals in a way that is hard for patients to interpret and use. Furthermore, the indications of test results may vary among patients with different characteristics and medical contexts. To date, little is known about how to design patient-centered technology to facilitate the interpretation of test results.

Objective:

The aim of this study is to explore design considerations for an interactive system to support patient-centered communication and comprehension of laboratory test results as well as discussions between patient and health providers.

Methods:

We conducted a user-centered, multi-component design exploration study, consisting of user studies, iterative prototype design, and user evaluation, to explore design concepts and considerations that are useful for supporting patients not only viewing but also interpreting and acting upon laboratory test results.

Results:

The user study results informed the iterative design of a system prototype, including several interactive features: 1) using graphical representations and clear takeaway messages to convey the concerning nature of the result, 2) enabling users to annotate laboratory test reports, 3) clarifying medical jargon using non-technical verbiage and allowing users to interact with the medical terms (e.g., save, favorite, sort, etc.), and 4) providing pertinent and reliable information to help patients comprehend test results within their medical context. Through an initial user evaluation with 8 patients, results show that the new patient-facing system was perceived useful in not only presenting laboratory results to patients in a meaningful way but also facilitating in situ patient-provider interaction.

Conclusions:

We draw on our findings to discuss design implications for supporting patient-centered communication of laboratory test results, and how to make the technology support informative, trustworthy, and empathetic.