To assess the impact of changing the design of a real-time benefit tool (RTBT) from a user-directed to an interruptive configuration on RTBT display rates (percentage of visits where RTBT was displayed) and changes in medication orders (percentage of times medication orders were altered post-RTBT display).
Key Findings:
RTBTs are associated with improved medication adherence and lower out-of-pocket costs, but their usage by clinicians is low.
Clinicians viewed RTBT cost estimates in only 1%-10% of visits and changed medication orders 12% of the time after RTBT displays, indicating a need for improved engagement.
The study aimed to determine if an interruptive alert would increase RTBT display rates and medication order changes, hypothesizing a positive correlation.
Interpretation:
The study's results may inform health systems on RTBT design decisions to enhance clinician engagement and medication management, potentially leading to better patient outcomes.
Limitations:
The study was observational and focused on a single institution, which may limit generalizability and introduce biases.
Data on medication order changes were only available for encounters where the RTBT displayed, potentially skewing results.
Conclusion:
The findings could guide future implementations of RTBTs in primary care settings.
