Improving Comprehensive Care with better information overview: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: This study investigates the effect of a digital tool designed to improve information synthesis and workflow efficiency in the context of patients with complex multimorbidity.

Approach: Best practice for patients with complex multimorbidity is person-centered, integrated, and proactive care. To provide such care, clinicians need an overview of the patient’s medical history and the person’s needs, wishes, and preferences (patient goals). A digital tool (“DigiTeam”) has been developed to facilitate this, involving clinicians and patient partners in a co-design approach. A three-armed, analyst-blinded, parallel-group randomized controlled trial (RCT) is currently being conducted. The digital tool, which is the intervention, includes notes from hospitals, general practitioners, and home-care services, as well as textual and visual case summaries of the patients’ goals and medical history. This is compared to having access to notes from only one provider (control group 1) or having access to notes from three providers (control group 2).

Results: The collection of data will be completed in December 2024, and some results will be presented at the conference. The hypothesis is that the DigiTeam tool will significantly improve the information basis for further care plans by producing higher quality case overviews and care plans. This will be evident by demonstrating a better understanding of patient contexts and needs. We also expect the tool to reduce the time required to compile patient information, thereby enhancing workflow efficiency.

Implications: If effective, the salient features of the DigiTeam tool can improve the quality of care for complex multimorbid patients. Future research should focus on the benefits of implementing these features in commercial EHRs used in clinical settings.