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Clinical Trial
. 2004 May 14;6(2):e12.
doi: 10.2196/jmir.6.2.e12.

Providing a web-based online medical record with electronic communication capabilities to patients with congestive heart failure: randomized trial

Stephen E Ross  1 , Laurie A Moore, Mark A Earnest, Loretta Wittevrongel, Chen-Tan Lin
Affiliations
Clinical Trial

Providing a web-based online medical record with electronic communication capabilities to patients with congestive heart failure: randomized trial

Stephen E Ross et al. J Med Internet Res. .

Abstract

Background: It is possible to provide patients with secure access to their medical records using the Internet. Such access may assist patients in the self-management of chronic diseases such as heart failure.

Objective: To assess how a patient-accessible online medical record affects patient care and clinic operations. The SPPARO (System Providing Access to Records Online) software consisted of a web-based electronic medical record, an educational guide, and a messaging system enabling electronic communication between the patient and staff.

Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted in a specialty practice for patients with heart failure. Surveys assessing doctor-patient communication, adherence, and health status were conducted at baseline, 6 months, and 1 year. Use of the system, message volume, utilization of clinical services, and mortality were monitored.

Results: One hundred and seven patients were enrolled (54 intervention and 53 controls). At 12 months, the intervention group was not found to be superior in self-efficacy (KCCQ self-efficacy score 91 vs. 85, p=0.08), but was superior in general adherence (MOS compliance score 85 vs. 78, p=0.01). A trend was observed for better satisfaction with doctor-patient communication. The intervention group had more emergency department visits (20 vs. 8, p=0.03), but these visits were not temporally related to use of the online medical record. There were no adverse effects from use of the system.

Conclusions: Providing patients with congestive heart failure access to an online medical record was feasible and improved adherence. An effect on health status could not be demonstrated in this pilot study.

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Conflict of interest statement

None declared.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Flow of Participants Through The Study
Figure 2
Figure 2
Monthly Use of SPARRO Over Study Period
Figure 3
Figure 3
Cumulative Use of SPARRO Over the 12-Month Study Period
Figure 4
Figure 4
Monthly Message Volume
See this image and copyright information in PMC

Comment in

References

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