CLEVELAND - A recent study from researchers at University Hospitals Connor Whole Health has shed light on the experiences and perspectives of patients using electronic intake forms within outpatient Integrative Health and Medicine (IHM). Their approach streamlines the collection of crucial patient information to enhance the overall healthcare experience and improve clinical care.
The study, entitled "Patient Experience and Attitudes Toward Electronic Intake and Patient-Reported Outcomes Within an Outpatient Whole Health Center," was recently published in the journal Global Advances in Integrative Medicine and Health, a peer-reviewed open access journal that publishes evidence-based research and knowledge in the field of health and medicine by integrating both therapeutic approaches and lifestyle practices.
The study focused on evaluating the functionality and acceptability of these electronic forms, which included treatment expectations, medical history, chief complaints, and prior experience with integrative modalities. The forms were developed through a collaborative effort between clinic leadership and the Information Technology team. Additionally, forms such as the Patient Reported Outcome Measurement Information System (PROMIS)-29, Perceived Stress Scale (PSS)-4, and Oswestry Disability Index were incorporated to assess patients' health-related quality of life. These patient-reported outcomes (PRO) are subjective measures used to capture patients' perceptions of their own health. Institutions around the county are increasingly utilizing PRO data to improve the quality of their care and guide clinical decision making.
The study interviewed 10 patients (median age of 50 years, 70% female, 30% Black/African American) and found that patients perceived the emerging electronic format to be relevant to their health concerns and valuable for communicating important health information to their providers. The forms were also deemed easy to navigate, with some minor suggestions for improvement. These suggestions included adding open-ended questions, save and print functions, and providing examples and definitions to prompt responses. Participants emphasized the importance of open-ended questions on the intake form. These questions allowed the patient to feel heard and the provider to gain a greater awareness of their concerns.
The study concludes that the emerging electronic format is a feasible and acceptable method for collecting patient information and PROs. The next steps involve implementing the revised forms in a common electronic health record system across multiple IHM clinics in the United States.
This research represents a significant step forward in utilizing technology to enhance the patient experience and care in integrative health settings. UH Connor Whole Health is committed to ensuring whole-person care is established and delivered.
"UH Connor Whole Health is utilizing patient feedback to ensure quality care is delivered to all patients. By streamlining the collection of patient information, we can improve the overall experience, allowing patients to more effectively communicate with their providers," said Francoise Adan, MD, Chief Whole Health and Well-being Officer at UH and Director of UH Connor Whole Health.
