Understanding the Link between Patient Portal Use and Health System Utilization

Identifying the effects of patient portal use on patient engagement with the healthcare delivery system is an active research area. This study aims to understand the link between overall patient portal use (portal activity) and overall health system utilization (encounters) through the analyses of data logs from the patient portal and Electronic Health Record (EHR) system in a large multi-specialty group practice. Analyses of our data revealed correlations between the level of specific portal activity and encounter type. They also show portal use is clustered around other health system utilization activities. Furthermore, total encounters in a given month are predictive of future patient portal activity. Understanding such links can help health care managers plan resources to support patient needs and engagement.