Predictors of viewing progress notes among users of VA's electronic health portal who receive mental health care.

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

7-1-2018

Institution/Department

Maine Medical Center Research Institute; Center for Outcomes Research and Evalution

Journal Title

JAMIA Open

MeSH Headings

Mental Health, Records, Electronics, Electronic Health Records

Abstract

Objective: Consistent with the

Materials and Methods: Three hundred and thirty-eight patients receiving mental health care from 1 VHA medical center who had logged into My Health

Results: Fifty percent of respondents reported having read their notes. In the final multivariable model, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) diagnosis [odds ratio (OR) = 2.30 (1.31-4.07)], speaking with their mental health clinician about their ability to view notes [OR = 3.84 (1.69-8.72)], and being very or extremely confident in understanding the purpose and uses of Blue Button [OR = 9.80 (2.23-43.07) and OR = 13.36 (2.74-65.20), respectively] were associated with viewing notes.

Discussion: Patient recall of mental health clinicians speaking to them about their ability to view notes, and confidence in understanding the use and purposes of Blue Button, were stronger predictors of viewing notes than demographic variables. PTSD diagnosis was the only clinical characteristic associated with viewing notes.

Conclusion: The findings support the value of mental health clinicians openly discussing the availability of notes with patients if they wish to help them take advantage of their potential benefits.

ISSN

2574-2531

First Page

122

Last Page

127

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