Reviewing medical laboratory test results online is a popular resource among consumers, says a different study by Kaiser Permanente
More than half of patients and consumers have trouble understanding their health information, along with the steps needed to further improve their health, according to a recent study conducted by HealthMine. This gap in consumer understanding represents a great opportunity for clinical laboratories and pathology groups that want to forge stronger bonds with patients and consumers.
In its survey of more than 7,200 healthcare consumers about their health knowledge, HealthMine determined that about 52% of consumers find it difficult to understand their health information and/or what is required of them to maintain or improve their health.
Knowledge of one’s health, or the health of a loved one, is critical to the management of chronic diseases and other health conditions. In this Internet age of patient portals and mobile health devices, the assumption is that most folks would be comfortable using the new technologies. Apparently, this is not the case. At least not among those HealthMine polled.
According to the company’s website, HealthMine is a healthcare technology organization that has developed a technology platform for analyzing patient data and funneling it into mobile technologies and web-based portals. The resulting analyses enable healthcare providers and patients to collaborate on the patient’s care. It operates out of the Dallas/Fort Worth area. The company studies many aspects of healthcare and produces reports and papers based on its consumer research, in addition to operating a propriety technology it calls the HealthMine Personal Clinical Engagement Platform.
HealthMine conducted this study, and others, on more than 7,200 consumers enrolled in health plans during 2015-2016. In addition to measuring the health knowledge of consumers, HealthMine’s research also included studying:
• Chronic Disease;
• Mobile Health;
• Access to Health Data;
• Smoking Cessation;
• Cancer Screenings;
• Health Information Preferences;
• Healthcare Costs/Spending;
• Diabetes; and
• Wellness Programs.
Combined results of several HealthMine studies can be found here, or by using the link: http://darkdaily.com/wp-content/uploads/DD3725-HealthMine-Consumer-Research-RoundUp.pdf.
Consumers Lack Knowledge of Health Indicators and Online Resources
Numerous studies have shown that medical laboratory test results and the results from other types of diagnostic procedures should not only be accessible to patients, but also reviewable in a patient-friendly manner. This requires the information to be presented in an understandable and downloadable format, which is also a prime requirement of healthcare reform.
The HealthMine study suggests that the healthcare industry may not be doing enough to inform and educate their patients on this resource. A significant portion of the HealthMine study participants seemed unaware of basic health information about themselves, such as blood pressure, as well as where to begin looking for such information. Findings also indicated that many people have limited access to online resources where they’d be able to learn about their health.
HealthMine’s research into the health knowledge of more than 7,200 patients indicates that while more than half of consumers wish to be able to track their health, or the health of loved ones, about the same amount haven’t a clue how to go about doing that, or where to gain the knowledge they seek. (Image copyright: HealthMine.)
HealthMine’s research revealed that:
• Less than 33% of people know their key health indicators such as blood pressure ; cholesterol; body mass index, and blood glucose level.
• 53% of those surveyed said they cannot access all their clinical data from a computer;
• 39% were unable to get clinical and behavioral data collected by apps and tracking devices.
“For people to take control of their health, they need to know three things: first, their health status; second, what they can do to improve or maintain their health; and third, what is in it for them,” said Bryce Williams, CEO and President of HealthMine, in a company statement.
People Also Question Action Needed
It follows that if people don’t understand their health metrics, they probably don’t know what to do in order to be healthy.
The HealthMine study also found:
• 53% of people surveyed noted difficulty understanding health information or what they needed to do to improve it;
• 55% shared a desire for help in setting goals from their health plan;
• 65% indicated that reminders about critical health actions—such as prescription refills and annual physicals—are needed.
Consumers Lack Motivation
The HealthMine study also revealed gaps in companies’ ability to engage their employees in wellness programs.
These findings suggest people lack motivation:
• Only 44% of consumers stayed engaged in wellness programs throughout the year;
• 27% note lack of time prevents ongoing participation;
• 55% say wellness incentives are not meaningful to them.
Bryce Williams, CEO and President of HealthMine, said in a company statement that there will be significant improvements in the power of wellness plans in 2016. The Dallas, Texas-based company, founded in 2008, conducted a study of more than 7,200 consumers that indicated about 52% of people struggle to understand their health as well as how to use technologies designed to keep them informed. (Photo copyright: Employer Healthcare & Benefits Congress.)
Quality Online Lab Resources Available
The clinical laboratory industry actually has many resources that help lab patients understand the tests and procedures involved in their healthcare. One example is Lab Tests Online, a high-traffic health data web resource aimed at giving patients and caregivers information on blood, urine, and other clinical tests to encourage better care management. The site is a product of the American Association for Clinical Chemistry (AACC).
Since its launch in 2001, the site has helped many visitors decipher lab reports; understand test reference ranges; and note different ways test results may be conveyed (as numbers, text, or as a positive or negative).
Lab Tests Online’s content-rich test index provides users with an overview of lab tests, including why each is needed; when to get it; and preparation. Patients are able to retrieve lab test information by searching the site by disease or condition.
Another educational resource is, “How to Read Your Pathology Report,” by the College of American Pathologists (CAP). This is an online resource aimed at aiding consumers in understanding lab terms associated with test results.
More Education about Medical Laboratory Tests
The HealthMine study is important as it points out that many people do not understand their health information, despite attempts in the industry to empower people to track their health progress.
Meanwhile, resources like Lab Tests Online that provide patients with information about tests, conditions, and reports are becoming increasingly popular with healthcare consumers.
For pathologists and clinical lab administrators, the study suggests an opportunity exists to develop consumer education or direct patients to existing credible lab resources.
—Donna Marie Pocius
Related Information:
53% of People Struggle to Understand Their Health
HealthMine Survey Reveals Consumers Want More Guidance On Their Health Care Plan
How to Read Your Pathology Report
HHS Strengthens Patients’ Right to Access Lab Test Reports
Viewing Laboratory Tests Results Online: Patients’ Actions and Reactions
Pathology Groups and Clinical Labs Prepare to Deliver Test Results to Smart Phones
