Table 1. Substantive Findings on the Effects of Patient Informatics Tools and Decision Aids
Use of Tools
- Informatics tools have been used with a variety of patients.
- Use of tools by eligible patients is quite variable.
- Use can be quite limited in the face of operational barriers such as requirements for a second patient visit.
Research Questions:
- What factors promote use?
- What are the effects of mandated use?
Patient Knowledge
- 8 of 9 randomized controlled trials (RCTs; 3 of interactive computers or videodiscs, 3 of videotapes, 3 of brochures or fact sheets) found greater knowledge among users of informatics tools. (An RCT of an audiotape was not statistically significant.)
Research Question:
- What types of tools are most effective for what types of patients?
Patient Attitudes
- 2 of 3 RCTs (1 of a videotape, 1 of 2 RCTs of interactive videodiscs) and 5 studies without controls found that patients using tools were more satisfied with the decisionmaking process.
- 1 RCT of an audiotape found a reduction in decisional conflict.
- 1 RCT of a computer tool found increased confidence in their ability to continue use of oral contraceptives.
- 4 RCTs of printed tools found no effects on anxiety.
Research Question:
- What are the effects of tools on patient attitudes?
Patient-Clinician Communication
- In 1 RCT, patients given a fact sheet reported asking physicians more questions.
Research Question:
- How do tools affect communication and demands on clinician or staff time?
Treatment Selection
- Adult immunization: 2 RCTs (1 of a brochure, 1 of a computerized decision aid) found tool use increased vaccination rates.
- Prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH):
- A cohort study found use of a video tool decreased screening.
- A cohort study of an interactive videodisc in 2 health maintenance organizations (HMOs) found decreases in BPH surgery. (An RCT of this videodisc did not yield statistically significant differences.)
- Ischemic heart disease: 1 RCT found patients who used an interactive videodisc were less likely to select revascularization surgery.
- Other conditions: RCTs found no effect of informatics tools on treatment selection in four conditions: an audiotape on hormone replacement therapy, a computer aid for oral contraceptives, a video for vasectomy, and print aids for circumcision. No RCTs on other conditions have been completed.
Research Questions:
- What are effects on a wider number of treatment choices?
- What factors influence effects on treatment choice?
Health Outcomes and Behavior
- 1 RCT of an interactive computer aid found higher continued use of oral contraceptives among young low-income, but not other, women.
- 1 RCT found lower hospitalization among HIV/AIDS patients given a computer system providing information and a decision aid along with a computer-based discussion group.
- 1 RCT of an interactive videodisc BPH tool found higher patient ratings of general health and physical functioning (but no difference in urinary functioning).
Research Question:
- What are effects on health outcomes and behaviors for different types of patients?
Cost Effectiveness
- 1 RCT found lower hospitalization costs among HIV/AIDS patients given a computer system providing information and a decision aid along with a computer-based discussion group.
Research Question:
- What is the cost-effectiveness of different types of tools?
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