Using the Lab Report to Impact Patient Behavior introducing Giving it Meaning

Understanding lab results 1 The Issue 2 Future Condition 3 The Plan Giving it Meaning

The Issue “Better health is not a social problem, it’s an information problem.” 1

**36% of adults have a basic or below basic proficiency in health literacy (NAAL, 2006). The OU EMR includes lab results that can be difficult for patients to interpret. Patients are given information, but are not following through with it, which is a behavior problem. The Information we provide patients concerning lab test results is not easily interpreted or acted upon. The Issue Background and Current Condition

Root Cause Analysis Too much information? Existing templates for lab reports are not literacy sensitive and are ineffective in risk communication. Flesch-Kincade Reading Ease shows that the current EMR report has a grade level of 11.2 and an ease score of 28.2/100, with 100 being the easiest to read.

2 Future Condition Personalized Information Is Key

Future Condition Feedback loops are proven methods for real behavior change. Personalized information works because it creates an emotional connection.

Future Condition When data is personalized and relevant to the patient, he/she is more apt to make healthier choices and put them into action (Levetan et al., 2005). The result is better health for the patient. Personalized data has been hard to come by, until now…

3 The Plan The plan is simple

The Plan Project Initiation (Months 0-1) During this phase we will request approval from the Clinical Information Systems committee at OU to move forward with the project. Upon approval, a requirements gathering process will take place with DLO, Ignis and OU Tulsa- CIS to establish a comprehensive rollout plan. Changes to EMR to incorporate PDF delivery and representation (Months 1- 3) During this phase changes will be made to the EMR to accommodate the new data. Functionality will be added to incorporate physician comments on the lab results for dissemination to the patient. Changes to Clinic Workflows to take advantage of new functionality (Months 2-5) Clinic workflow will be modified to incorporate new functionality and provide patient education on understanding the results they are being given. Evaluation of Utilization and Modifications (Months 4-6) Evaluate changes in health outcomes for the specific disease state of Diabetes using HbA1C and lipids test results.

Cost Benefit Analysis Total Cost: $12,000 $4,800 IT development $6,200 Hardware/Software Benefits: Reduce patient complaints. Empower patients to take charge of their health. Increase patient compliance. Coordinate patient care more effectively. Improve efficiency for providers. Save time and money by decreasing the number of patient phone calls about confusing lab results. For example: 8 providers receiving 40 calls per day totals 200 calls per week. Using an LPN at $15/hour and 3 hours time per day, this equates to a cost of $11,700 per year.

Discussion Individuals with limited health literacy report poorer health status and are less likely to utilize preventative care (Nielsen-Bohlman, Panzer, and Kindig, 2004). Providing patients with simplified lab reports increased awareness of health status, resulting in lower LDL cholesterol levels (Levetan et al., 2005).

Discussion Con’t. Providing health information in a way that is meaningful and tailored to individual needs empowers patients to make informed choices and take action. There is compelling evidence & a strong return on investment for OU Physicians to implement this program

Together, we can help improve patient outcomes by presenting information to them in a way that is personalized and relevant. In turn, they will be able to make informed decisions and take action. Collaboration

Questions? Empowering Patients