Abstracts

On-line patient surveys are a concern to practitioners in regards to state and federal regulations (Health Information and Patient Privacy Act {HIPPA}) governing the use and disclosure of individually identifiable health information (PHI). We sought to develop an on-line survey requesting information on patient[apos]s current therapies, quality of life and interest in complimentary medicines but void of any PHI. With more than 2.5 million people having been diagnosed with epilepsy and over 180,000 new cases being diagnosed annually in the United States, the Director of the Regional Epilepsy Center of Aurora Healthcare, determined a complimentary medicine assessment in epilepsy was needed.
An on-line survey was designed for use by patients or anyone who knows someone with a diagnosis of epilepsy. The information included exposure to, interest in, and willingness to use Acupuncture, Massage, Aromatherapy, Chiropractic Care, Energy Work, Herbs and Supplements, Prayer, and Mind/Body Technique.
Discussions with the local IRB determined that PHI was not being accessed so therefore, IRB approval was not necessary. The survey was posted on the facility web site.
An informational letter from the practitioner was sent to his patient population directing patients to the Internet access or offering use of an [quot]Internet Kiosk[quot] at their next office visit. Verification from marketing and public affairs confirmed that an informational letter sent in this manner is not a HIPPA violation.
At the completion of the survey, if patients wanted additional information on complimentary medicine, the responsibility was placed on them to contact us. Therefore, PHI was not accessed. Forty six responses were obtained in two weeks. Prayer was reported as used, and with success, in the largest number of respondents (9/46). Prayer was also identified as the most likely of the Complimentary Medicines to be used in the future (14/46) followed by Aromatherapy (4/46), Mind/Body Techniques (4/46) and Herbs and Supplements (3/46). On-line surveys for patients can be developed and used if no PHI is accessed. We created and are collecting survey information consistent with federal regulations. Complimentary Treatments can be assessed for interest and research planning. (Supported by Novartis Pharmaceuticals)