Web Messaging

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Patients want electronic access to providers. Providers fear being overwhelmed by unreimbursed messages.

Abstract: System, computer implemented method and computer program product for dynamically updating a Web page using browser-based messaging. A system for dynamically updating a Web page using browser-based messaging includes a Web page that includes a plurality of Web messaging tags, and a selected data model that can be bound to the Web messaging tags, and at least one messaging client for accepting at least one message from a message server and for processing the accepted at least one message into the selected data model.

Abstract: A web messaging system allows a subscriber to receive messages from a wide variety of multimedia sources. If a caller attempts to contact a subscriber but the subscriber is unavailable, the system will record the message in digital format, generate a web page and password, and send a web page identification and password to the subscriber via a paging medium. The subscriber can then access the web page, enter the password, and retrieve the message.

Abstract: Disabled and elderly populations are the fastest growing segment of Internet usage. However, these people face an “Inverse Information law”- access to appropriate information is particularly difficult to those who need it the most. Our tertiary care Multiple Sclerosis (MS) center received funding to develop a MS specific patient portal linked to web messaging system so as to empower patients to become more active participants in their health care. In order to design an effective portal, we conducted a qualitative study using focus groups and direct observation techniques. The study explores the perceptions, expectations and interactions of MS patients with the portal and underscores the many challenges MS patients face in getting quality health information on the Internet. Many of the patient barriers were due to inappropriate font sizes, low contrast, cluttering of web page and use of dynamic and flashing objects. Some of these issues are not addressed by Section 508 accessibility guidelines. We believe that any future patient portal or health information web site needs to address these issues and educate the patients about accessibility options to enhance utilization and user satisfaction.