Impact of a web-based personally controlled health management system on influenza vaccination and health services utilization rates: a randomized controlled trial

Objective To assess the impact of a web-based personally controlled health management system (PCHMS) on the uptake of seasonal influenza vaccine and primary care service utilization among university students and staff. Materials and methods A PCHMS called Healthy. me was developed and evaluated in a 2010 CONSORT-compliant two-group (6-month waitlist vs PCHMS) parallel randomized controlled trial (RCT) (allocation ratio 1: 1). The PCHMS integrated an untethered personal health record with consumer care pathways, social forums, and messaging links with a health service provider. Results 742 university students and staff met inclusion criteria and were randomized to a 6-month waitlist (n = 372) or the PCHMS (n = 370). Amongst the 470 participants eligible for primary analysis, PCHMS users were 6.7% (95% CI: 1.46 to 12.30) more likely than the waitlist to receive an influenza vaccine (waitlist: 4.9% (12/246, 95% CI 2.8 to 8.3) vs PCHMS: 11.6% (26/224, 95% CI 8.0 to 16.5); chi(2) = 7.1, p = 0.008). PCHMS participants were also 11.6% (95% CI 3.6 to 19.5) more likely to visit the health service provider (waitlist: 17.9% (44/246, 95% CI 13.6 to 23.2) vs PCHMS: 29.5% (66/224, 95% CI: 23.9 to 35.7); chi(2) = 8.8, p = 0.003). A dose-response effect was detected, where greater use of the PCHMS was associated with higher rates of vaccination (p = 0.001) and health service provider visits (p = 0.003). Discussion PCHMS can significantly increase consumer participation in preventive health activities, such as influenza vaccination. Conclusions Integrating a PCHMS into routine health service delivery systems appears to be an effective mechanism for enhancing consumer engagement in preventive health measures. Trial registration Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12610000386033. http://www.anzctr.org.au/trial_view.aspx?id335463.