The association between health information technology and influenza vaccine uptake among adults with heart disease

Abstract

Aim: Assess the association of health information technology (HIT) on influenza vaccine (IV) uptake among adults with heart disease. Methods: The association of four different uses of HIT – (1) look up health information, (2) schedule medical appointments, (3) refill prescriptions online and (4) communicate with healthcare providers on IV uptake – was analyzed using multiple logistic regression. Results: Adults with heart disease who use the internet to look up information (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.48, 95% CI: 1.39–1.59; p < 0.001), fill up prescription (AOR = 1.87, 95% CI: 1.69–2.06; p < 0.001), and communicate with a healthcare provider (AOR = 1.95, 95% CI: 1.23–3.10; p = 0.005) had a higher uptake of IV unlike those who did not. Conclusion: Using the internet in patient-healthcare system engagement via HIT was associated with increase IV uptake. Future studies should assess the impact of population-level variables on this relationship.