Using Patient Portals to Increase Engagement in Patients with Cancer.

OBJECTIVES: To review patient portals which serve as a tool for patient engagement by increasing access to electronic health care information and expanding ways to communicate with health care providers.

DATA SOURCES: Reviews of the literature and first-hand experience.

CONCLUSION: Meaningful Use requirements propelled the design and development of patient portals in recent years. Patient engagement in oncology can improve quality of life and outcomes.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: Oncology nurses facilitate patient adoption of patient portals and support usage. Patient education helps manage communication expectations and understanding of online medical information.