Consumer access to EHRs through patient portals is often touted as an integral way to help consumers be more involved in their health and make more informed decisions. However, a recent survey from HealthMine finds just two in 10 consumers who access their EHR data use the information to make medical decisions.
The survey gathered responses from 500 insured consumers who use mobile, Internet-connected health tools. Sixty percent of respondents said they have access to EHRs. When asked why they want access to EHRs, 55 percent of respondents said they wanted to stay informed, and 22 percent said they wanted to use EHR data to help make medical decisions.
Three in 10 consumers with access to EHRs said they are not getting a lot of benefit from it: 15 percent said it's hard to understand information, and 10 percent said they don't look at the EHR.
"Electronic health records are still in the early phases of consumer adoption. They have the potential to engage consumers more directly in managing their health," said Bryce Williams, president and CEO of HealthMine.
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