Our objective was to characterize MyChart® (Epic Systems Corporation) utilization patterns in patients with MS in our academic out-patient setting.

Tethered-messaging systems embedded in electronic health record (EHR) systems confer well-documented benefits for both patients and healthcare providers, yet they introduce unique challenges and are naturally limited. Identifying predictors of their use may provide the groundwork for optimization of these tethered-messaging systems in clinical practice, especially as they pertain to unique patient populations. Little about the usage of secure-messaging systems in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) is known.

A retrospective cross-sectional analysis of patients within our center’s database (n=439) was performed. Inclusion criteria were >1 clinic visit and MS diagnosis. Demographic, disease-specific characteristics, use of disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) and MyChart® messaging information were extracted.

MyChart® users in our center’s database was 74% (n=324). There were statistically significant differences noted between MyChart® users and non-users. MyChart® users were more often younger (age 50.1±12.6 vs age 55±13.7), had a shorter duration since diagnosis (11.9±8.3 vs 15.8±10.8, years) and had a lower patient-determined disease steps (PDDS) (2.8±2.3 vs 3.5±2.5) than non-users. There were also statistically significant differences between MyChart® usage and DMT use. Those that were on higher-efficacy DMTs (ie. alemtuzumab, ocrelizumab, fingolimod) compared to traditional DMTs (glatiramer acetate, interferons), were more likely to have higher MyChart® usage.

EHR systems have improved healthcare delivery overall but also have presented unique challenges with their implementation, including secure-messaging systems such as MyChart®. Our study showed a majority of our patients use MyChart®, with certain factors influencing their usage. The burden-to-benefit ratio of these secure-messaging systems is still being defined. Further understanding these factors that influence MyChart® use could be leveraged in many ways including to better route work that could be delegated, thus reducing healthcare provider workload, improve professional morale and decrease healthcare provider burnout.