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Lessons from a randomized controlled trial designed to evaluate computer decision support software to improve the management of asthma

Authors
McCowan C, Neville RG, Ricketts IW, Warner FC, Hoskins G, Thomas GE
Journal
Med Inform Internet Med
Publication Date
2001 Jul-Sep
Volume
26
Issue
3
Pages
191-201
  • HIT Description: Computerized clinical decision-support software More info...
  • Purpose of Study: To investigate whether clinical decision-support software used in the management of patients with asthma improves outcomes
  • Years of study: Not Available
  • Study Design: Randomized controlled trial
  • Outcomes: Practice consultations, acute asthma exacerbations, hospital admissions, symptoms, and medication use
Summary:
  • Settings: General practices in the United Kingdom
  • Intervention: Use of asthma disease clinical decision-support software
  • Evaluation Method: Physician/practice self-report of outcomes.
  • HIT System: Interactive software installed by physicians/providers on desktop computers providing patient-specific recommendations based on entered data.
  • Strategy: Software mailed to intervention provider group with online and print users instructions
  • Healthcare Utilization: ¤ Reduction in the proportion of patients who initiated a consultation in the intervention group vs. control (22% vs. 34%, occurrence odds ratio 0.59, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.37-0.95), exacerbations of asthma (8% vs.17%, 95% CI 0.21-0.85), emergency room nebulizations (1% vs. 5%, 95% CI 0.01-0.91). ¤ All other differences in symptoms and medication prescribing patterns were not significant.
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