Veterans Experiences Using Secure Messaging

NCT01382186 | Completed Results

• 1 other identifier: RRP 11-397
• Study Type: observational
• Target: 852
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 2

Brief Summary

Deployment of Secure Messaging (SM) in primary care and women's clinics throughout the Veteran Health System by 2011 was an implementation priority for the Secretary and Under Secretary for Health for FY11 under the VHA T21 initiative. Secure Messaging is in early phases of implementation, this eHealth tool requires thoughtful evaluation to promote the successful implementation and dissemination of this tool. The primary aim of this project is to describe Veterans' experiences when using the SM feature on MyHealtheVet (MHV). This project has local, VISN, and national impact on the implementation and sustainability of the SM feature on MHV through its qualitative and quantitative examination of users' experiences. Findings from this research explores why Veterans choose to, or not to, use the SM feature on MHV, identify facilitators and barriers, and examine if experiences differ by health literacy or computer literacy. In addition to the interview data, findings from the usability testing and the quantitative survey findings build knowledge about Veterans' experiences using the SM feature on MyHealtheVet. These data will inform systems improvements, educational approaches, and marketing strategies to increase adoption and long-term utilization among Veterans.

Conditions

Telemedicine

Keywords

Qualitative; User, Computer Interface; quantitative; survey; telemedicine

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (8)

• Usability of Secure Messaging

  To determine ease of use and usefulness of secure messaging. Purposive sample of 33 participants were assessed for their ability to complete the following tasks: navigate to Secure Messaging, log-in to My HealtheVet and Secure Messaging, Set user preferences, check Secure Message inbox, open and send Secure Message, Open and read Secure Message attachment. Measured as: (1) able to complete task; (2) able to complete task with some difficulty; (3) not able to complete task.

  baseline

• Secure Messaging Use and Content Patterns

  Extraction of secure messages over a three-month time frame to examine message content type, including: general, tests, medication, and appointments.

  3 months

• Frequency of Electronic Resource Use

  Mail surveys examine Veterans frequency of electronic resource use.

  baseline

• Reasons for Using Secure Messaging Tool on My HealtheVet

  Participants reported reasons for Using Secure Messaging tool on My HealtheVet

  baseline

• Benefits of Using Secure Messaging

  Veterans report benefits of using Secure Messaging

  baseline

• Intention to Use Secure Messaging in the Future

  Veteran respondent intention to use Secure Messaging in the future

  baseline

• Veterans That Believed Improvements to the Secure Messaging System Would Make the Tool More Useful in the Future Are Presented in the Table.

  Veterans were asked to report if improvements to the secure messaging system would make the tool more useful for use in the future.

  baseline

• Veteran Need for Education Support for My HealtheVet and Secure Messaging Use.

  Veterans were asked to report if they would like to have education and support using My HealtheVet and the Secure Messaging tool.

  baseline

Study Arms (2)

Purposive Sampling

Purposive sampling was used to identify a sample of 33 Veterans who have been Personally Authenticated for the SM feature on MHV. Participants were recruited from each site (Tampa, Boston). Women were purposively recruited to ensure females were represented in data findings.

Random Sampling

Random sampling was used to conduct a quantitative survey with 819 veterans to explore their experiences using secure messaging.

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years+
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)
• Sampling Method: Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

Veterans in Tampa and Boston who have been Personally Authenticated for the SM feature on MHV.

You may qualify if:

• Individuals who have been Personally Authenticated for the SM feature on MHV and
• who use SM independent of other caregivers, and
• cognitive impairment that prevents use of a personal computer.

You may not qualify if:

• Unable or unwilling to provide informed consent.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• US Department of Veterans Affairs: lead

Study Sites (2)

James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital, Tampa, FL

Tampa, Florida, 33612, United States

Location

VA Boston Healthcare System Jamaica Plain Campus, Jamaica Plain, MA

Boston, Massachusetts, 02130, United States

Location

Related Publications (2)

• Haun JN, Lind JD, Shimada SL, Martin TL, Gosline RM, Antinori N, Stewart M, Simon SR. Evaluating user experiences of the secure messaging tool on the Veterans Affairs' patient portal system. J Med Internet Res. 2014 Mar 6;16(3):e75. doi: 10.2196/jmir.2976.

  PMID: 24610454 RESULT

• Haun J, Lind JD, Shimada SL, Simon SR. Secure Messaging as a tool to facilitate Veteran-provider communication. Annals of anthropological practice. 2013 Jan 1; 37(2):57-74.

  RESULT

Results Point of Contact

• Title: Dr. Jolie Haun
• Organization: Center of Innovation on Disability and Rehabilitation Research

jolie.haun@va.gov

813-558-7622

Study Officials

• Jolie N. Haun, PhD MS BS

  James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital, Tampa, FL

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Publication Agreements

• PI is Sponsor Employee: Yes

Study Design

• Study Type: observational
• Observational Model: COHORT
• Time Perspective: PROSPECTIVE
• Sponsor Type: FED
• Responsible Party: SPONSOR

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: June 15, 2011
• First Posted: June 27, 2011
• Study Start: April 1, 2012
• Primary Completion: September 1, 2013
• Study Completion: September 1, 2013
• Last Updated: April 28, 2015
• Results First Posted: February 23, 2015

Record last verified: 2014-10

Locations

US (2)