Consumer Health IT Tools: Impact on Experience, Access, and Outcomes for Patients With Complex Chronic Conditions

Consumer Health IT Tools: Impact on Patient Experience, Access, and Health Outcomes for Patients With Complex Chronic Conditions

Patient use of health IT tools to interact with healthcare providers and delivery systems, including exchanging secure messages with their medical providers and using other web-based tools, has great potential to increase patient access to care, change the way healthcare is delivered, and affect patient clinical outcomes. This study will examine the impact of implementation and use of consumer health IT tools on patient-reported access to care, utilization of medical care services, and clinical outcomes.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients with chronic conditions
• Patient had at least 10-month membership in 2005

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients less than age 18