Understanding patient information needs about their clinical laboratory results: A study of social Q&A site

Zhan Zhang, Yu Lu, Yubo Kou, Danny T.Y. Wu, Jina Huh-Yoo, Zhe He

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

17 Scopus citations

Abstract

Clinical data, such as laboratory test results, is increasingly being made available to patients through patient portals. However, patients often have difficulties understanding and acting upon the clinical data presented in portals. As such, many turn to online resources to fill their knowledge gaps and obtain actionable advice. In this work, we present a content analysis of the questions posted in a major social Q&A site to characterize lay people's general information needs concerning laboratory test results and to inform the design of patient portals for supporting patients' understanding of clinical data. We identified 15 information needs related to laboratory test results, and clustered them under four themes: understanding the results of lab test, interpreting doctor's diagnosis, learning about lab tests, and consulting the next steps. We draw on our findings to discuss design opportunities for supporting the understanding of laboratory results.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationMEDINFO 2019
Subtitle of host publicationHealth and Wellbeing e-Networks for All - Proceedings of the 17th World Congress on Medical and Health Informatics
EditorsBrigitte Seroussi, Lucila Ohno-Machado, Lucila Ohno-Machado, Brigitte Seroussi
PublisherIOS Press
Pages1403-1407
Number of pages5
ISBN (Electronic)9781643680026
DOIs
StatePublished - 21 Aug 2019
Event17th World Congress on Medical and Health Informatics, MEDINFO 2019 - Lyon, France
Duration: 25 Aug 201930 Aug 2019

Publication series

NameStudies in Health Technology and Informatics
Volume264
ISSN (Print)0926-9630
ISSN (Electronic)1879-8365

Conference

Conference17th World Congress on Medical and Health Informatics, MEDINFO 2019
Country/TerritoryFrance
CityLyon
Period25/08/1930/08/19

Keywords

  • Consumer Health Information
  • Information Seeking Behaviors
  • Patient Portals

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