Interventions to address barriers and improve the uptake and use of patient portals among older adults: Protocol for a scoping review protocol

Background: Digital patient portals grant users access to their electronic health records and health services, and aim to empower them to engage in managing their health. However, older adults often face challenges accessing and using these portals. This review aims to map-out interventions used for equitable access, uptake and use of patient portals for older adults. Methods: A scoping review will be conducted following Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) guidance. Using a curated search strategy, databases including MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, and PsycINFO, will be searched in addition to references and grey literature. Studies reporting interventions, policies, and strategies for improvement of portal design and content, user skills and surrounding environment for older adults’ equitable access, uptake, and use of patient portals, will be included. Two reviewers will conduct the screening and review processes for validation and reliability. A third reviewer will resolve disagreements. Data extraction, mapping and synthesis of findings will be guided by theoretical frameworks on digital health equity and technology uptake and use. PRISMA-ScR guidelines will be followed for reporting. Subject matter experts and members of the public will be consulted on the synthesized results, reporting and presentation of evidence. Discussion: The review will provide understanding of interventions that enhance older adults’ access, uptake and use of patient portals, and aim at inclusive design and implementation. Theory-informed synthesis will allow diagnostic interpretation and strategic prioritization for potential future interventions. The results are planned to inform further studies and ongoing efforts to optimise inclusive implementation of the national patient portal in Ireland.