JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Patient accessible electronic health records (PAEHRs) aim to enhance patient engagement by providing access to clinical information, thus strengthening patient-clinician relationships. In Sweden, implementation of a national PAEHR began in 2012, and reached nationwide scale-up in 2018, when all residents above the age of 16 were provided online record access (ORA). Adoption and use has seen a steady increase over time.

Objective:

This study compares data from two national patient surveys conducted in Sweden (in 2016 and 2022) regarding patients' experiences and usage of Patient-Accessible Electronic Health Records (PAEHRs). The aim is to explore and understand possible changes in patients’ reasons for, and perceived value of, use. The study also addresses the quality of communication with healthcare and information types provided.

Methods:

The Swedish national surveys were conducted in 2016 and 2022. They collected data on patients' experiences with PAEHRs, including demographic information, reasons for using PAEHRs, and perceived impacts on communication with healthcare providers. Statistical analyses, including Chi-square tests, were used to compare responses between the two surveys.

Results:

The 2016 survey included responses from 2,587 patients, while the 2022 survey included 13,008 respondents. Key findings indicate an increase in the positive perception of PAEHRs over the six years. In 2022, 72.3% of respondents reported that PAEHRs supported communication with healthcare professionals, compared to 60.0% in 2016 (p < .001). The primary reason for using PAEHRs shifted from general interest in 2016 to prepare for healthcare visits in 2022. There was also a notable increase in patients valuing access to their lab test results, from 95.0% in 2016 to 97.8% in 2022 (p < .001). Demographic analysis revealed that among those taking part in the survey, a higher proportion of older adults and individuals with higher education were among the respondents in the 2022 survey, however, the differences were not statistically significant.

Conclusions:

The study demonstrates that the overall highly positive patient attitude towards and usage of PAEHRs in 2016 persisted and was strengthened in 2022. The findings point to the growing importance of PAEHRs in enhancing patient engagement and communication with healthcare providers. This research contributes valuable insights into the evolving landscape of eHealth services and their impact on patient-centered care.