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BACKGROUND Consumer (e.g., patient, layperson) access to online laboratory results has increased dramatically over the past decade. However, many systems are not designed with the patient in mind. OBJECTIVE The purpose of the research is to determine the interface facilitators and barriers affecting patient use of an online laboratory (lab) system. This will inform future systems designs to optimize care and safety. METHODS We distributed to patients an online questionnaire with closed-ended (i.e., Likert scale) and open-ended questions. We analyzed closed-ended questions using descriptive statistics; we analyzed open-ended questions using affinity diagramming. RESULTS Patients preferred reviewing lab results online, rather than waiting to see the physician. However, patients gave poor ratings for the communication of online lab results (i.e., usability, information, and displays). Displays received the weakest rating, indicating an area needing urgent attention. CONCLUSIONS Improving the usability, information, and the displays of these online laboratory systems could better satisfy consumer requirements and improve patient empowerment, care, and safety. |
