Rationale and Objectives
Inefficient transfer of personal health records among providers negatively impacts
quality of health care and increases cost. This multicenter study evaluates the implementation
of the first Internet-based image-sharing system that gives patients ownership and
control of their imaging exams, including assessment of patient satisfaction.
Materials and Methods
Patients receiving any medical imaging exams in four academic centers were eligible
to have images uploaded into an online, Internet-based personal health record. Satisfaction
surveys were provided during recruitment with questions on ease of use, privacy and
security, and timeliness of access to images. Responses were rated on a five-point
scale and compared using logistic regression and McNemar's test.
Results
A total of 2562 patients enrolled from July 2012 to August 2013. The median number
of imaging exams uploaded per patient was 5. Most commonly, exams were plain X-rays
(34.7%), computed tomography (25.7%), and magnetic resonance imaging (16.1%). Of 502
(19.6%) patient surveys returned, 448 indicated the method of image sharing (Internet,
compact discs [CDs], both, other). Nearly all patients (96.5%) responded favorably
to having direct access to images, and 78% reported viewing their medical images independently.
There was no difference between Internet and CD users in satisfaction with privacy
and security and timeliness of access to medical images. A greater percentage of Internet
users compared to CD users reported access without difficulty (88.3% vs. 77.5%, P < 0.0001).
Conclusion
A patient-directed, interoperable, Internet-based image-sharing system is feasible
and surpasses the use of CDs with respect to accessibility of imaging exams while
generating similar satisfaction with respect to privacy.
Key Words
Abbreviations:
PHI (protected health information), CD (compact disc), PHR (personal health record), ISN (Image Share Network)To read this article in full you will need to make a payment
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: November 25, 2015
Accepted:
October 20,
2015
Received in revised form:
October 17,
2015
Received:
July 29,
2015
Identification
Copyright
© 2015 The Association of University Radiologists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
