Why it is important to understand who the consumers are before making patient information

• To ensure that the information is presented in a way that is easy to understand and use. Different consumers have different levels of health literacy, so it is important to make sure that the information is presented in a way that is clear and concise.
• To ensure that the information is relevant to the needs of the consumers. Not all consumers will be interested in the same information, so it is important to tailor the information to the specific needs of the target audience.
• To ensure that the information is secure and confidential. Patient information is private and confidential, so it is important to take steps to protect the security of the information.
• To get feedback from consumers on how to improve the patient portal. By understanding what consumers want and need, you can make the patient portal more user-friendly and informative.

Here are some specific examples of how understanding the consumers can help to improve patient portals:

• If you know that your consumers are mostly older adults, you can make sure that the patient portal is easy to navigate and that the text is large enough to read.
• If you know that your consumers are mostly interested in their medications, you can make sure that the patient portal includes a section on medications with information about each medication, including dosage, side effects, and interactions.
• If you know that your consumers are concerned about their privacy, you can make sure that the patient portal has a secure login system and that the information is encrypted.

By understanding the consumers, you can create a patient portal that is more likely to be used and that will provide the consumers with the information they need.

Here are some additional thoughts on this topic:

• It is important to remember that consumers are not a monolithic group. There is a wide range of diversity among consumers, including age, race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and health literacy. It is important to take this diversity into account when designing and implementing patient portals.
• It is also important to keep in mind that consumers’ needs and preferences can change over time. It is important to regularly evaluate the patient portal and make changes as needed to ensure that it continues to meet the needs of the consumers.

By understanding the consumers and their needs, you can create a patient portal that is a valuable resource for them.