How Do Patients With Chronic Conditions Prefer to Get Health Information and Advice? Results From the 2014 Kaiser Permanente Northern California Member Health Survey

Authors

Nancy P. Gordon, Kaiser Permanente Division of Research, Oakland, CAFollow
Teresa Y. Lin, Kaiser Permanente Division of Research, Oakland, CA

Publication Date

8-10-2017

Keywords

aging, elderly, geriatrics, survey research and methods, racial/ethnic differences in health and health care, chronic disease, health promotion, prevention, screening

Abstract

Background: Management of chronic conditions requires patient engagement in health promoting self-care, which ongoing health education, advice and reinforcement may enhance. Information about sociodemographic differences in patient preferences for patient health information/advice services (HIA), especially regarding web-based/digital (eHIA) versus more traditional modalities, can inform development and delivery of interventions.

Methods: Weighted data from the 2014 Kaiser Permanente Northern California Member Health Survey for 2,780 adults, aged 40–85 years, with diabetes, hypertension, coronary artery disease and/or history of stroke were used to assess ability to use digital technology (internet, email, text messages, smartphone), prior-year use of eHIA and traditional health education resources, and preferred methods for getting health information and advice (restricted to those who indicated ≥ 1 method). Data were analyzed by age group.

Results: Use of digital technologies, analyzed for ages 40–64, 65–69, 70–74, 75–79 and 80–85, declined with age (internet and email: 94%, 92%, 85%, 71%, 59%; text messages: 74%, 54%, 47%, 33%, 27%; smartphone: 64%, 46%, 32%, 33%, 27%). HIA use was analyzed for ages 40–64, 65–69, 70–74 and 75–85. More than 70% (no age differences) had obtained HIA in the past year; 50% had used eHIA, but this declined with age (51%, 57%, 50%, 38%). Of those interested in ≥ 1 HIA modality: 55% (59%, 58%, 48%, 38%) were interested in ≥ 1 eHIA modality; 48% (51%, 53%, 45%, 36%) in reading information on websites; 34% (35%, 40%, 32%, 28%) in emailed newsletters; 34% (range: 39%–23%) in emailed messages; 18% (21%, 20%, 15%, 6%) in online videos; 16% (22%, 15%, 8%, 4%) in health apps; 11% (14%, 9%, 9%, 3%) in online programs; 8% (range: 9%–3%) in webinars; 6% in podcasts; and 3% in chat rooms. Interest in more traditional HIA modalities was 41% individual counseling (30% in-person, 18% phone-based), 37% print materials, 22% workshops and 15% classes/groups. Minimal gender differences were observed.

Conclusion: While most patients with chronic conditions use internet and email, many, especially older seniors, still prefer using more traditional modalities for obtaining health information and advice.

Recommended Citation

Gordon NP, Lin T. How do patients with chronic conditions prefer to get health information and advice? Results from the 2014 Kaiser Permanente Northern California Member Health Survey. J Patient Cent Res Rev. 2017:4:161.