An approach to improve the care of mid-life women through the implementation of a Women's Health Assessment Tool/Clinical Decision Support toolkit

Womens Health (Lond). 2016 Sep;12(5):456-464. doi: 10.1177/1745505716664742. Epub 2016 Aug 24.

Abstract

The objectives of this study are to describe the implementation process of the Women's Health Assessment Tool/Clinical Decision Support toolkit and summarize patients' and clinicians' perceptions of the toolkit. The Women's Health Assessment Tool/Clinical Decision Support toolkit was piloted at three clinical sites over a 4-month period in Washington State to evaluate health outcomes among mid-life women. The implementation involved a multistep process and engagement of multiple stakeholders over 18 months. Two-thirds of patients (n = 76/110) and clinicians (n = 8/12) participating in pilot completed feedback surveys; five clinicians participated in qualitative interviews. Most patients felt more prepared for their annual visit (69.7%) and that quality of care improved (68.4%) while clinicians reported streamlined patient visits and improved communication with patients. The Women's Health Assessment Tool/Clinical Decision Support toolkit offers a unique approach to introduce and address some of the key health issues that affect mid-life women.

Keywords: Women’s Health Assessment Tool; clinical decision support; patient satisfaction; primary care; quality improvement; women’s health.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Attitude of Health Personnel
  • Attitude to Health
  • Decision Support Systems, Clinical*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Patient Satisfaction*
  • Pilot Projects
  • Primary Health Care*
  • Quality Improvement
  • Quality of Health Care
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Women's Health*