Understanding Lab Results in Patient Portals

The expansion of electronic health records has facilitated wider use of patient portals to enhance engagement and transparency in healthcare. Legislative requirements now oblige providers to offer patients immediate access to their laboratory test results via these digital platforms. While this initiative aligns with patient-centred care goals, concerns remain about whether access alone suffices in supporting patient understanding. 

A recent study involving 276 adults examined usage patterns, comprehension levels, and obstacles to interpreting lab results within portals. The research highlighted key disparities in digital access and understanding, especially among certain demographic groups. Despite general familiarity with patient portals, many users experience difficulty interpreting clinical data without professional guidance, raising questions about the sufficiency of current systems. 

Understanding Patterns of Portal Use 
The majority of survey respondents reported that they were aware of patient portals and had used them at least once in the previous year, with the most common reason being to review laboratory test results. The study revealed significant variation in usage based on factors such as race, education level, and eHealth literacy. White participants and those with higher digital health literacy were more likely to access their lab results via portals. Conversely, those holding a college degree were less likely to use patient portals for this purpose, a finding that diverges from existing literature and warrants further exploration.

Age also influenced engagement. Older adults demonstrated higher comprehension of lab results compared to younger participants, despite many reporting that they found such information difficult to understand. Interestingly, patients with fewer chronic conditions tended to score better in lab test comprehension, while those with more chronic conditions, who arguably have a greater need, showed lower understanding. The study suggests that although digital access is widespread, it does not ensure effective use or comprehension, and different user groups encounter different challenges.

Barriers to Comprehension and Use 
Despite legal requirements promoting transparency, many patients continued to struggle with interpreting the lab results presented through portals. The most frequently cited obstacle across all age categories was a strong preference for receiving explanations directly from healthcare professionals. Participants expressed discomfort with interpreting medical terminology and numerical values on their own, particularly when presented in dense, clinical formats typical of laboratory reports.

Difficulties included not knowing how to access portals, uncertainty about where to locate results within the system, and a general lack of understanding about what lab values meant. These problems were especially prevalent among individuals with lower levels of health literacy and numeracy, as well as among disadvantaged and minority populations. Older participants, while scoring higher in comprehension assessments, were more likely to report challenges such as navigating the portal or interpreting result significance. These findings suggest that having the ability to understand lab results does not necessarily translate into confidence when using digital tools to access that information.

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The study also revealed generational differences in preferences for receiving results. While younger adults more often received results during follow-up visits, older adults commonly accessed them via patient portals. However, many across age groups still favoured receiving abnormal findings in person. The perceived inability to understand test results without context acted as a deterrent for some, who indicated they only wanted to see results if they were abnormal.

Correlating Use with Comprehension 
Participants who used patient portals to access their lab results displayed higher overall comprehension scores. The data analysis showed that this group had a better understanding compared to those who did not engage with portals. Multivariate analysis further identified older age, fewer chronic health conditions, and active use of patient portals as significant predictors of better lab result comprehension.

An unexpected finding was that individuals with multiple chronic conditions had lower comprehension scores, despite presumably having more frequent exposure to lab testing. This outcome suggests a disconnect between usage frequency and the ability to interpret health data effectively. It also points to the inadequacy of current portal interfaces, which may not meet the specific needs of users with complex health profiles. This disparity reinforces the notion that digital accessibility must be paired with tailored support to ensure meaningful engagement.

The study results indicate that while digital access can enhance health literacy for some, others require additional guidance to interpret data confidently. Patient portals often assume a baseline level of health knowledge and technical ability that not all users possess. This gap limits the effectiveness of portals in supporting health decision-making, particularly for those who would benefit most from timely, comprehensible information.

Providing immediate access to lab results through patient portals is a significant step toward greater transparency and patient empowerment. However, the assumption that access alone ensures understanding is flawed. Many patients, particularly those from marginalised or lower literacy backgrounds, struggle to make sense of their lab results without additional context or explanation.

This study affirms the importance of not only improving access but also focusing on usability and comprehensibility. User-centred design, simplified language, and educational support can improve the experience for those who currently find portals difficult to navigate or understand. Tailored strategies are necessary to support diverse patient populations, ensuring that portals function as inclusive tools that foster true engagement and informed health management.

Source: JAMIA Open 

Image Credit: Freepik