- 49% of respondents use healthcare portals less than monthly, while 16% never use them.
- 49% of non-portal users lack confidence in data security, compared to 11% of active users.
- The survey revealed that 58% of users prefer username/password authentication despite security risks.
LexisNexis Risk Solutions has released a survey revealing significant gaps in healthcare portal usage and security awareness among U.S. adults. Conducted by Ipsos, the survey involved 3,010 participants and highlighted that 49% of respondents use healthcare portals less than once a month, with an additional 16% never utilizing them. A stark contrast in confidence levels was noted, with 49% of non-portal users lacking confidence in the security of their health data compared to 11% of active users.
The survey underlined a concerning trend where a majority (58%) of users prefer to authenticate via usernames and passwords, a method that is frequently compromised. This reflects a gap between user preferences and the effectiveness of security measures, as millions of passwords get compromised weekly. The findings suggest an urgent need for more advanced security protocols that bolster user trust without adding friction.
Age also plays a role in portal usage barriers, with 41% of non-users aged 18-34 citing a lack of awareness or access knowledge as obstacles. The top reason for not using portals was a preference for human interaction (36%), followed by a lack of awareness (27%) and security concerns (17%).
Adam Mariano, president and general manager of healthcare at LexisNexis Risk Solutions, emphasized the need for healthcare organizations to implement stronger identity verification measures and improve patient education to enhance portal adoption and engagement.
The survey, conducted between March 17 and March 20, 2025, offers statistically significant insights with a margin of error of +/- 1.79% at a 95% confidence level, underscoring the need for improved healthcare data security practices.
