What do patients consider sensitive health information? A cross-sectional survey of national patient portal users - Scorecard - MDSpire

What do patients consider sensitive health information? A cross-sectional survey of national patient portal users

  • By

  • Saija Simola

  • Sari Kujala

  • Anna Kharko

  • Josefin Hagström

  • Charlotte Blease

  • Åsa Cajander

  • Rose-Mharie Åhlfeldt

  • Bo Wang

  • Bridget Kane

  • Maria Hägglund

  • June 9, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Scorecard: Patients' Perspectives on Sensitive Health Information: Insights from a National Survey of Patient Portal Users

At a Glance

CategoryDetail
ConditionSensitive Health Information
Key MechanismsPatient-accessible electronic health records (PAEHRs) enhance communication and engagement between patients and healthcare professionals.
Target PopulationPatients with mental health conditions and other health care needs accessing PAEHRs.
Care SettingNational patient portal in Finland.

Key Highlights

  • PAEHRs increase patient satisfaction, trust, and engagement with care.
  • Patients express concerns about privacy and security regarding sensitive health information.
  • Adolescents may avoid seeking care due to concerns about sensitive information in EHRs.
  • Healthcare professionals share concerns about the sensitivity of psychiatric records.
  • Definitions of sensitive health information vary by legislation and individual perception.

Guideline-Based Recommendations

Diagnosis

  • Explore patients' perspectives on sensitive health information.

Management

  • Understand the specific needs of diverse patient groups to improve PAEHR design.

Monitoring & Follow-up

  • Assess how sociodemographic factors influence perceptions of sensitive health information.

Risks

  • Consider the potential negative emotions patients may experience after accessing sensitive information.

Patient & Prescribing Data

Finnish citizens accessing PAEHR via the national patient portal.

Patients with mental health care backgrounds are more likely to perceive certain information as sensitive.

Clinical Best Practices

  • Facilitate open communication about sensitive health information between patients and healthcare professionals.
  • Ensure privacy protection for sensitive health information in EHRs.

Related Resources & Content

Original Source(s)

What do patients consider sensitive health information? A cross-sectional survey of national patient portal users

  • by Saija Simola, Sari Kujala, Anna Kharko, Josefin Hagström, Charlotte Blease, Åsa Cajander, Rose-Mharie Åhlfeldt, Bo Wang, Bridget Kane, Maria Hägglund

  • June 9, 2026

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