Improved access to healthcare remains at the forefront of our nation’s agenda. However, at Mercy, we realize that the goals of our changing industry cannot be fully achieved unless we ensure no patient is left behind as our industry adopts new tools supporting that improved access.
One of today’s most important tools in advancing physician access to patient information and patient access to their own health information is the electronic health record (EHR). The goal is for patients to be more engaged in managing their health and the health of their loved ones.
The African American community, however, is less likely to use the internet and mobile technology to exchange health information. While this is a finding of recent research that primarily included single African American mothers in urban communities, another just released study tells us that internet use among African Americans continues to trail.
An important part of our focus at Mercy is to lay new foundations for physician-patient communications. Especially given the three main reasons why at least 50 percent of non-white patients fail to follow their doctor’s orders when it comes to taking medications as prescribed – 1) side effects from medications; 2) affordability; and 3) inconsistent relationships with a primary care physician.
At Mercy we are emphasizing to all patients the importance of enrolling in MyChart, our EHR’s patient portal. It is one that I am also lending my voice to and recently participated in 
an online interview with eHealth Equity, a newly launched interactive, information-sharing website designed to encourage communities of color and the medically underserved to adopt and use health information technology (Health IT).
The fact is secure online access to patient health information will certainly play a central role in healthcare’s future. On the care provider side we will see improved quality and safety, reduction in unnecessary tests and procedures, and access to accurate and up-to-date information via each patient’s single electronic health record. On the patient side an electronic health record will mean access to knowledge, increased engagement, and the higher likelihood of following their doctor’s advice and realizing better outcomes.
Through MyChart patients can access their own and their family’s health information, request prescription refills, schedule appointments, receive email alerts regarding test results, and communicate with their physician’s office. The lasting benefit will become evident as we strengthen dialogue between all patient populations and our physicians, and help those who are particularly at risk for chronic disease achieve better outcomes and an overall improved quality of life.
