Increasing Comfort of MyChart Patient Messaging in an Outpatient Oncology Clinic

Authors

Katherine HerdzikFollow

Document Type

Poster

Publication Date

2021-4

Abstract

Increasing Comfort of MyChart Patient Messaging in an Outpatient Oncology Clinic

Katherine Herdzik, BSN, RN

Abstract

Electronic patient portals have provided increased access to the electronic health record and patient information. A feature within the portal is a messaging system, creating a secure method of communication between and patient/family member and their care team. Scholarly literature has suggested that this method of communication helps to increase trust between the patient and providers, enhancing the healthcare experience. This study focuses on educational review to increase comfort with the MyChart messaging portal for care managers and nurse practitioners in an outpatient pediatric oncology clinic. The objectives were for staff to report increased comfort and understanding of the workflow of MyChart messaging and navigation of the messaging portal. After collecting baseline data across the hematology and oncology division, an educational PowerPoint was distributed to the thirteen nursing care managers and fifteen nurse practitioners in the outpatient oncology clinic. Post questionnaire analysis showed a 45% increase in comfort utilizing the message application, and a 91% satisfaction rate for the educational presentation. Similarly, 91% of staff verbalized comfort finding a previous MyChart message encounter within EPIC. Data results showed that the education assisted staff in recognizing their role with the portal messaging system, and their competency in navigating the application. The project outcomes illustrated further education benefits staff understanding, focusing on other interdisciplinary members of the MyChart messaging workflow process.