Evaluating the uptake and effects of the computerized decision support system NHGDoc on quality of primary care: protocol for a large-scale cluster randomized controlled trial.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Computerized decision support systems (CDSSs) are increasingly used to improve quality of care. There is evidence for moderate to large effects from randomized controlled trials (RCTs), but evidence on their effectiveness when implemented at a national level is lacking. In the Netherlands, the Dutch College of General Practitioners (NHG) initiated their successful guideline program already 30 years ago. NHGDoc, a CDSS based on these NHG guidelines, covering multiple disease areas for general practice, was developed in 2006 with the aim to improve quality of primary care. In this paper, a protocol is presented to evaluate the uptake and effects of NHGDoc.

Methods

A cluster RCT will be conducted among 120 general practices in the Netherlands. Eligible general practi

SUBMITTER: Lugtenberg M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4205280 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature