Evaluation of the implementation of a patient portal pilot intervention among people with type 2 diabetes at community health centers

INTRODUCTION: A pilot study of a multilevel, 6-month intervention (MAP) designed to increase patient portal use among patients with type 2 diabetes at community health centers (CHCs) showed promising results. The aim of this implementation analysis is to (1) describe the nurse-patient interactions and documentation of care during MAP, (2) report MAP implementation successes and challenges, and (3) describe participants' use of other online health resources.

METHODS: Data were collected from MAP nurses (n = 3) and participants (n = 22).

RESULTS: The content of portal messages between nurses and participants was educational and supportive. Numerous health-related social needs that influence participant diabetes self-management were identified, many of which were handled with relevant referrals. Participant-reported challenges changed over time, with technical barriers decreasing and competing demands increasing. Participants increased their use of online resources for health improvement.

DISCUSSION: Addressing implementation challenges may allow the expansion of programs like MAP in CHCs and ultimately improve diabetes outcomes.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: clinicaltrials.gov, identifier NCT05180721.