Improving Shared Decision Making (SDM) and patient-provider communication, and providing all citizens with equal access to health information has become a high priority health policy goal. In this interdisciplinary, international research collaboration we develop and test CONNECT (Care Online: Novel Networks to Enhance Communication and Treatment), a patient portal that integrates a suite of context-sensitive patient communication and information tools into a patient-clinician shared electronic health record that patients can use seamlessly through heterogeneous networks from different locations (home, hospital, doctor's office). In this paper we present methods used to develop CONNECT; how to safeguard data security and confidentiality and adapt user interfaces to different users, devices and contexts of use; as well as ensure safe and efficient data transfer through heterogeneous networks; and critical success factors and challenges.