Changes in Caregivers' Use of the Online Medical Record Pre- and Post-COVID: Analysis of the Health Information National Trends Survey, 2018-2022

Little is known about online medical record (OMR) use among caregivers, including changes in OMR use through the COVID-19 pandemic. This study compares OMR use among caregivers and non-caregivers before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, identifies reasons for non-use, and examines the association between caregiving status and characteristics with OMR use. Secondary data analysis of the nationally representative Health Information National Trends Survey data from 2018 to 2022 (n = 14,034). Caregivers were more likely to use the OMR post-COVID (51.8%) compared with pre-COVID (44.7%). Caregiving was significantly associated with increased likelihood of OMR use post-COVID (odds ratio = 1.67), but not pre-COVID. The increased use of OMR among caregivers during COVID-19 highlights the potential of OMRs as a support tool for caregivers' health and well-being. Interventions and policies to improve OMR engagement must address persisting disparities across demographic groups and encourage caregivers' OMR use to support their role and enhance their personal health management.