Characteristics of the Patient's Internet Account (IKP) users in Poland between 2019 and 2021

Objective This retrospective database analysis aimed to characterize Patient's Internet Account (IKP) users in Poland, before and after the COVID-19 pandemic onset. Methods Data were received from the e-Health Centre – public administration office tasked with the digitization of healthcare in Poland. Data on the number of newly created Patient's Internet Accounts between January 2019 and December 2021 were collected. Moreover, data on the gender and age of the users were also analyzed. Results Between January 2019 and December 2021, the cumulative number of Patient’s Internet Account users increased from 32.6 thousand to 14.1 million. In 2021, December 2021, the cumulative number of Patient’s Internet Account users more than doubled (from 5.6 million in January to 14.1 million in December). In 2019, the monthly number of newly created Patient’s Internet Accounts varied from 17 thousand in February to 180 thousand in December. In the last quarter of 2020 (lifting major anti-epidemic restrictions), a significant increase in the monthly number of newly created Patient’s Internet Accounts was observed (500 thousand accounts per month). The highest number of newly created Patient’s Internet Accounts (over 1.25 million) was in April and July 2021. In December 2021, the highest number (3.3 million) of active Patient’s Internet Accounts was among children aged 0-17 (parental access) and Individuals aged 31-40 years (2.7 million). Conclusions This study revealed high interest in Patient’s Internet Accounts during the COVID-19 pandemic. An increase in the number of Patient’s Internet Account users was related to the new service functionalities such as COVID-19 test results and COVID-19 vaccination appointments.