Online Patient-Provider Communication Trends

1. How is this journal article related to the chosen field of study?

The journal article has been formulated to evaluate the existing scenario concerning the online patient provider communication processes. The article also explores the associated trends regarding the tools which could be utilised for the purpose of online patient provider communication methods. Analytical research effort has been concentrated on the evaluation of growth dynamics of the trend of patient to provider communication through the Internet. In this way, the journal article is related to the selected study discipline of health informatics.

●Main theme and why is it important in the subject area

The primary theme could be identified as the emphasis on examining the current scenario of the patient to provider communication. This formulates the core components of health informatics. The article has explored the trends of online patient provider communication processes. Another aspect of importance regarding the subject area has been the utilisation of 5 different HINTS datasets to examine the influence of social and demographic factors on the patient to provider online communication and the changing associated trends. This is directly related to health informatics.

2. How is the information in this article sequenced?

The sequencing of information has been achieved through general ascending order of research analytics. This has involved the Introduction phase where the theme of the article has been enumerated in detail. Further, the Methods section has been formulated through elaboration of the HINTS dataset and the measures of analysis of such research data have been detailed. Next, the analytical framework has been demonstrated and the factors signifying the characteristics of the datasets have been explained in the statistical analysis section. Next, Results section has highlighted sample characteristics, multivariate and bivariate analysis. Finally, the Discussion section has discussed about the principal data findings, research limitations and future research implications with conclusive statements.

3. If the article is primary research:-

The methodology included the three tier analytical process with the processes and reanalysis, close replication through the years 2003-2013 and trend analysis. The Reanalysis stage has been formulated to expand on the Health Information National Trends Survey based available data so as to identify precisely the analytical method utilised in previous studies during 2007. The analytical methodology has been effective through simultaneous utilisation of multivariate and bivariate logical regression analysis.

4- Identify and present a salient quotation. (Primary or Secondary)

Secondary Quotation_ “Literature suggests that patients need multi-level communication to facilitate information exchange and foster patient-provider relationships”.

Explain what this illustrates, and how this is representative of the article focus

This is reflective of the focus of the article in the format of analysis of the Internet based communication trends in between the patients and their service provider. Effectual and functional communication in between the health care professionals has been outlined to be the central aspect regarding medical care provisioning for the purpose of incremental progression of trust and to ensure high quality of care. This quotation also highlights that Internet has been altering the manner through which the patients and their health service providers have been exchanging information.

5- Identify an idea(s) that is presented visually in the article, in a diagram, chart or table. Or create your own visual representation

Explain what this illustrates, and how this is representative of the article focus

The data represented in the above mentioned table statistically has represented significant socio-economic aspects regarding the age, residential area and gender based factors.

6- What conclusions are drawn and are they valid?

Communication through online modes with healthcare providers has been consistent with the residence at metropolitan regions. This has been attributed to the element of digital divide. The growth in the trend in between 2003 to 2013 has been attributed to increasing interest and availability of online communication devices such as mobile phones. This has validated the research hypothesis related to the journal article based study.

What new knowledge has been added to the field of study

The new knowledge has been deliberative of the fact that women have surpassed men in terms of Internet utilisation since 2003 and the previous gender gap in this regard was equalised during 2008.