Discussions of Cannabis Over Patient Portal Secure Messaging
Author Information
Author(s): Mavragani Amaryllis, Alpert Jordan, Yang Lulu, Shetty Vishal A, Gregor Christina M, Tusing Lorraine D, Pradhan Apoorva M, Romagnoli Katrina M, Piper Brian J, Wright Eric A
Primary Institution: Geisinger
Hypothesis
This study aimed to identify patient and provider secure messages that discussed cannabis and contextualize these discussions over periods before and after its legalization for medical purposes in Pennsylvania.
Conclusion
Patients showed a willingness to discuss cannabis use over patient portal secure messages and expressed interest in use after the legalization of medical marijuana.
Supporting Evidence
- Patients expressed interest in using medical marijuana after its legalization.
- Providers were split in their responses, with some assisting patients and others cautioning against use.
- Secure messaging allows patients to discuss health-related behaviors not captured in standard EHR documentation.
Takeaway
Patients are talking more about using cannabis with their doctors through secure messages, especially after it became legal for medical use in Pennsylvania.
Methodology
We examined 382,982 secure messages sent by 15,340 patients and 6101 providers from an integrated health delivery system in Pennsylvania, using natural language processing to identify cannabis discussions.
Potential Biases
Providers may have limited knowledge about medical marijuana, which could affect their responses to patient inquiries.
Limitations
The study is limited by the low volume of messages discussing cannabis before legalization and the potential influence of being flagged as cannabis users on patient message content.
Participant Demographics
Patients were primarily White non-Hispanic (84.9%), female (60.6%), with a mean age of 39.7 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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