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Disparity on Online Patient-Provider Communication and Implications for a Post-COVID Era
Journal article   Open access   Peer reviewed

Disparity on Online Patient-Provider Communication and Implications for a Post-COVID Era

Jina Huh-Yoo, Michael LeVasseur, Martha Coates, Justine Sefcik and Rose Ann DiMaria-Ghalili
Innovation in aging, v 5(Supplement_1), pp 584-584
17 Dec 2021
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/geroni/igab046.2241
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https://doi.org/10.1093/geroni/igab046.2241View
Published, Version of Record (VoR)CC BY V4.0,  Open

Abstract

Abstract Online patient-provider communication (OPPC) increases access to health-related information, enhances self-care, and reduces healthcare expenditures. We investigated OPPC and technology use changes during 6 years. This descriptive cohort analysis involved data collected from the National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS) between 2011-2016 and during the pandemic (2020). NHATS consist of a nationally representative sample of Medicare beneficiaries. From a total of N=2,389, we assigned cohorts as those who: (1) own computers (High-Tech, 56.1%), (2) own cell phone only or don’t own computer nor cell phones (Low-Tech, 20.2%), and (3) just adopted cell phone or computers (Transition, 23.7%). Only the High-Tech users increased OPPC by 75% over 2011-2016; others remained the same. During the pandemic more participants used mobile technology and internet. Newly adopting technology on its own does not automatically increase OPPC. It is important for Transition users to access training and support to benefit from OPPC.

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