Patient portal notifications for breast and cervical cancer screening results: Perspectives of women with limited english proficiency.

Abstract

Limited English proficiency (LEP) poses significant barriers to effective healthcare communication in the delivery of cancer screening results. Patient portals with push notifications have the potential to improve engagement, yet little is known about LEP women's perceptions and preferences regarding this technology for receiving their screening results. To explore the perceptions and preferences of immigrant women with LEP about receiving cancer screening results through push notifications on patient portals. This descriptive qualitative study utilized semi-structured interviews with 25 women from three ethnic groups (Korean, Swahili-speaking, and Spanish-speaking) in the United States. A thematic analysis was conducted to identify recurring themes. Participants expressed mixed preferences for receiving cancer screening results through patient portals, reflected in three main themes: (1) utility of notifications, (2) diverse preferences for notification delivery modes, and (3) differing opinions regarding language of notification. Many valued real-time notifications for their convenience, especially for normal results, but preferred that abnormal results be conveyed in person or over the phone by a healthcare provider. While participants favored notifications in their native languages, they also raised concerns about potential translation errors and comprehension of medical terminology. Additionally, younger participants preferred digital communication modalities, whereas older participants favored phone calls or in-person conversations, reflecting generational differences in digital literacy. Push notifications can improve patient portal engagement among LEP women by providing timely reminders and encouraging preventive care behaviors. However, attention must be given to the context of notifications, especially for abnormal results. Customization features, including accurate translations and preferred notification modalities, are crucial for enhancing patient portal utilization and reducing healthcare disparities in LEP populations. Future studies should include a more diverse cohort of LEP women. In addition, researchers should incorporate quantitative methods to validate findings and evaluate the effectiveness of tailored notification systems in improving health outcomes for this population.