The purpose of this study is to assess the feasibility of the use of an evidence-based decision support system (EBMeDS) in daily Belgian family medicine and to study the effectiveness of EBMeDS use on improving diabetes care.
The purpose of this study is to assess the feasibility of the use of an evidence-based decision support system (EBMeDS) in daily Belgian family medicine and to study the effectiveness of EBMeDS use on improving diabetes care. Specific research questions are: * Does family physicians use the EBMeDS system in daily practice? * Does the use of the EBMeDS system by family physicians leads to an improvement in diabetes control compared to the control group?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
45
The EBMeDS system receives structured patient data from the electronic medical records in HealthOne and returns reminders, therapeutic suggestions and diagnosis-specific links to guidelines. Electronic forms and calculators (e.g. a calculator for glomerular filtration) are integrated in the system. The original EBMeDS system was developed by Duodecim in Finland and covers a full spectrum of all clinical areas. Relevant reminders in all clinical areas are shown to the physicians in the intervention group.
The Evidence Linker is already integrated in Belgian routine practice since 2012 and could be considered as part of the usual care process. When entering a diagnosis coded in ICPC, relevant clinical practice guidelines are retrieved by the Evidence Linker and could by consulted on the initiative of the family physician.
Katholieke Universiteit Leuven
Leuven, Vlaams-Brabant, Belgium
Pre- to post-implementation change in HbA1c.
Time frame: Outcome will be collected at five points in time: before the start of the study, at 3 months, at 6 months, at 9 months and at 12 months
Pre- to post-implementation change in cholesterol levels.
Time frame: Outcome will be collected at five points in time: before the start of the study, at 3 months, at 6 months, at 9 months and at 12 months
Pre- to post-implementation change in blood pressure measurements.
Time frame: Outcome will be collected at five points in time: before the start of the study, at 3 months, at 6 months, at 9 months and at 12 months
Pre- to post-implementation change in a composite patient score.
The composite patient score consists of reaching the evidence-based targets for glycated hemoglobin, blood pressure (systolic and diastolic) and cholesterol. Differences between pre- and post-implementation will be forming the outcomes scores.
Time frame: Outcome will be collected at five points in time: before the start of the study, at 3 months, at 6 months, at 9 months and at 12 months
Pre- to post-implementation change in a composite process score.
The process composite score consists of meeting the evidence-based targets of the number of blood pressure measurements, the number of laboratory results of HbA1c, cholesterol and micro-albuminuria, a prescription of statin (yes/no), if high cardiovascular risk a prescription of aspirin/clopidogrel (yes/no), if hypertension or nephropathy ACE inhibition/sartan (yes/no). Differences between pre- and post-implementation will be forming the outcomes scores.
Time frame: Outcome will be collected at five points in time: before the start of the study, at 3 months, at 6 months, at 9 months and at 12 months
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.