Electronic health records and patient activation – their interactive role in medication adherence

Abstract

We investigate the association between the use of Electronic Health Records (EHR) core functions in physician practices and medication adherence among chronically ill adults, as well as how patient activation moderates this relationship. Cross-sectional logistic regressions are conducted using data from the Aligning Forces for Quality Consumer Survey and the National Study of Small and Medium Physician Practices (2007–2009). Only 43% of the practices have a basic EHR. The use of electronic communication and connectivity is positively associated with medication adherence for patients who are highly activated, but the association is negative for less activated patients. EHR based interventions may need to be customized based on patient activation and other factors.