Identifying how patient portals may be effectively used among mental health patient populations in Ontario to support digital inclusion

The goal of this project is to identify how patient portals that provide patients with access to their own health information may be effectively used by mental health patient populations in Ontario to enhance digital inclusion. We propose completing a review of the literature, and conducting focus groups of various populations of people with mental health challenges and their family members. Findings of this study can be used by organizations implementing patient portals to best select portal functionalities specific to mental health populations, as well as be able to complete a technology evaluation that is reflective of patient needs. This research will be done through a collaboration between universities, a mental health organization, researchers, health professionals, mental health patient populations and family members.