The utility of an online diagnostic decision support system (Isabel) in general practice: a process evaluation

Henderson, Emily and Rubin, Greg P (2013) The utility of an online diagnostic decision support system (Isabel) in general practice: a process evaluation. JRSM Short Reports, 4 (5). pp. 1-11. ISSN 2042-5333

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Official URL: https://doi.org/10.1177/2042533313476691

Abstract

Objectives
To evaluate the utility of Isabel, an online diagnostic decision support system developed by Isabel Healthcare primarily for secondary medical care, in the general practice setting.

Design
Focus groups were conducted with clinicians to understand why and how they used the system. A modified online post-use survey asked practitioners about its impact on their decision-making. Normalization process theory (NPT) was used as a theoretical framework to determine whether the system could be incorporated into routine clinical practice.

Setting
The system was introduced by NHS County Durham and Darlington in the UK in selected general practices as a three-month pilot.

Participants
General practitioners and nurse practitioners who had access to Isabel as part of the Primary Care Trust's pilot.

Main outcome measures
General practitioners’ views, experiences and usage of the system.

Results
Seven general practices agreed to pilot Isabel. Two practices did not subsequently use it. The remaining five practices conducted searches on 16 patients. Post-use surveys (n = 10) indicated that Isabel had little impact on diagnostic decision-making. Focus group participants stated that, although the diagnoses produced by Isabel in general did not have an impact on their decision-making, they would find the tool useful if it were better tailored to the primary care setting. Our analysis concluded that normalization was not likely to occur in its current form.

Conclusions
Isabel was of limited utility in this short pilot study and may need further modification for use in general practice.

Item Type: Article
Subjects: A900 Others in Medicine and Dentistry
Department: Faculties > Health and Life Sciences > Social Work, Education and Community Wellbeing
Depositing User: Rachel Branson
Date Deposited: 04 Jan 2021 12:00
Last Modified: 31 Jul 2021 14:18
URI: http://nrl.northumbria.ac.uk/id/eprint/45075

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