AHRQ Series on Improving Translation of Evidence: Linking Evidence Reports and Performance Measures to Help Learning Health Systems Use New Information for Improvement

Background: Evidence-based Practice Center (EPC) reports are lengthy and difficult for health systems to navigate. A quality measure index was created to allow health systems to more efficiently access information relevant to their needs. Methods: Two tables were embedded in an EPC report. The first identified quality measures covered by the report with descriptive information. The second contained page numbers in the report's executive summary addressing these quality measures, with hyperlinks to navigate to those pages. The researchers received feedback on the tables from four health system representatives and enhanced the tables. An exercise with two health system-targeted scenarios was then created. Three trainees (one medical fellow and two pharmacy students) and two health system representatives from a large community and a small rural health system completed the exercise, with and without the enhanced tables. They timed how long it took to find answers to scenario questions and provided general feedback. Results: It took 63.4% less time to find quality measure information when the hyperlinked quality measure indexing tables were used (11.0 +/- 5.0 vs. 4.0 +/- 3.5 minutes; p = 0.002). The health system representatives stated that the quality measure indexed tables were very easy to use and that if these tables were used in future reports they were somewhat or very likely to use quality measure-indexed EPC reports in the future. Conclusion: A unique concept that can allow EPC reports to be more user friendly to health systems was identified. The refined quality measure-indexed tables enhanced the efficiency of finding information and the overall likability of the report.