Perceptions, Experiences, and Beliefs About Patient Portals Among Women With Limited English Proficiency: Multicultural Qualitative Interview Study.

Summary: Online patient portals are powerful tools that let patients check test results, email doctors, and manage appointments. However, these digital tools are often designed with English speakers in mind, leaving others behind. In a recent study, researchers interviewed 28 women who primarily speak Korean, Spanish, or Swahili to understand their experiences. While these women saw the value in connecting digitally with their healthcare providers, they faced significant roadblocks. Language barriers, difficulty using technology, and a lack of clear instructions made the portals hard to use. The study concludes that to ensure fair health access for everyone, patient portals must offer better translation options, use more pictures, and provide hands-on training for users.