Development, implementation and evaluation of an electronic medical record prompt for bone density testing Journal Article uri icon
Overview
abstract
  • The purpose of this study was to assess whether an electronic prompt promoting BMD testing affected the proportion of patients who received BMD and/or bone health medication. Rheumatology providers of patients 40+, on prednisone, with no record of BMD testing in the past 2 years, were targeted with the message: 'This patient is at risk for osteoporosis due to prednisone use. We have no record of a recent Dexa scan.' We also surveyed providers on the prompt's value. The use of prednisone remained stable; BMD testing was quite low in all periods but increased slightly (non-statistically) over time, as did bone health medication use. Providers found the prompt not tailored enough to be clinically meaningful. Electronic prompts seem beneficial in theory; however, putting them into practice has challenges. While the EMR has great potential to improve care, more needs to be done to ensure optimal use.

  • Link to Article
    publication date
  • 2009
  • published in
    Research
    keywords
  • *Attitude of Health Personnel
  • *Bone Density/drug effects
  • *Electronic Health Records
  • *Reminder Systems
  • *Rheumatology
  • Absorptiometry, Photon/*statistics & numerical data
  • Algorithms
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents/pharmacology/therapeutic use
  • Decision Support Systems, Clinical
  • Osteoporosis/diagnosis/prevention & control
  • Prednisone/pharmacology/therapeutic use
  • Additional Document Info
    volume
  • 15
  • issue
  • 4