Increases in Advance Directive Completion Through the Patient Portal Among Younger and Healthier Population During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Abstract

To identify differences in the number and characteristics of patients who completed a Medical Durable Power of Attorney (MDPOA) form through the patient portal during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to pre-pandemic. Data, including portal-based MDPOA forms, were extracted from the electronic health record at one U.S. institution (July 2017-May 2023). The pandemic period was defined as March 26, 2020, or after. 397,682 patients added an MDPOA form during the study period. There was an increase in the proportion of portal-based MDPOA forms from 4.6% pre-pandemic to 5.1% during the pandemic (<i>p</i> < 0.001). Patients who used the portal to complete the MDPOA form during the pandemic were younger (<i>p</i> < 0.001) and had fewer comorbidities (<i>p</i> < 0.001) compared to pre-pandemic patients who completed a portal-based MDPOA form. MDPOA completion is important for patients of all ages and health statuses. Having MDPOA tools within a patient portal can support uptake among younger, healthier populations.