Supporting deprescribing in hospitalised patients: formative usability testing of a computerised decision support tool

• DOI: 10.1186/s12911-021-01484-z
• Publication Date: 2021-04-05T20:02:36Z
• Authors: Melissa T. Baysari; Mai H. Duong; Patrick Hooper; Michaela Stockey-...; Selvana Awad; Wu Yi Zheng; Sarah N. Hilmer
• Keywords: Deprescribing; Think aloud protocol

Abstract Background Despite growing evidence that deprescribing can improve clinical outcomes, quality of life and reduce the likelihood adverse drug events, practice is not widespread, particularly in hospital settings. Clinical risk assessment tools, like Drug Burden Index (DBI), help prioritise patients for medication review medications to deprescribe, but are integrated within routine care. The aim this study was conduct formative usability testing a computerised decision support (CDS) tool, based on DBI, identify modifications required tool prior trialling practice. Methods Our CDS comprised DBI MPage electronic medical record (clinical workspace) facilitated patient’s list, access resources, ability deprescribe. Two rounds scenario-based with think-aloud protocol were used. Seventeen end-users participated testing, including junior senior doctors, pharmacists. Results Participants expressed positive views about revealed number clear areas improvement. These primarily related terminology used (i.e. what how it calculated?), consistency functionality display. A key finding users wanted look function similar way other tools record. Modifications made response user feedback. Conclusion Usability proved extremely useful identifying components our confusing, difficult locate or understand. We recommend be adopted implementation any digital health intervention. hope revised equips clinicians knowledge confidence consider discontinuation inappropriate care hospitalised patients. In next phase project, we plan pilot test evaluate its uptake effectiveness supporting