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. Author manuscript; available in PMC: 2018 Dec 1.
Published in final edited form as: Int J Med Inform. 2017 Oct 9;108:158–167. doi: 10.1016/j.ijmedinf.2017.10.006

Table 4.

Detailed examples of two personas, “Barbara” and “Frederick.”

BARBARA FREDERICK
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Age 72, White female, retired Age 82, Black male, retired
“I’m good at computers for someone my age… in fact, I already use the patient portal to talk to my doctors!” “I’m not going to use this portal… but [it could be] … useful… if my son used it for me.”
Medical Medical
A type 2 diabetes mellitus patient, Barbara also takes a higher number of medications than average. Frederick has type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Functional Functional
Although able to manage her hygiene, Barbara notes she has issues with physical exhaustion. Frederick does not have significant issues with caring for himself or with his hygiene. He reports being quite exhausted.
Psychological Psychological
Barbara has been depressed lately. She perceives moderate physical health. She has high health literacy compared to other patients. Frederick considers himself quite knowledgeable about personal health. He rarely feels depressed or down in the dumps.
Technological Technological
Barbara has a computer with Internet access. She already uses the health system’s patient portal to communicate with her doctors and nurses and is receptive to new information technologies. A former computer operator before retiring, Frederick has no desire to learn new technologies. He has no Internet at home and would not use a patient portal unless his son would use it for him.
Social Social
Barbara is married and lives with her husband. Her husband helped care for her after she was discharged from the hospital. Frederick is married and lives with his wife. He has a high level of contact with friends, and has his son come over to help when he or his wife needs it.
Healthcare System Healthcare System
Barbara has a home healthcare professional visit her regularly. Other than his physical therapist, Frederick has not been seen by a home healthcare professional.
Health Behaviors Health Behaviors
Exercise is not a daily routine for Barbara. Frederick exercises quite a bit for physical therapy and rehabilitation. He finds it exhausting.