Primary care physician experiences utilizing a family health history tool with electronic health record –integrated clinical decision support: an implementation process assessment

This study reports on PCPs ’ initial experiences with the Genetic and Wellness Assessment (GWA), a patient-administered FHH screening tool utilizing the EHR and CDS. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 24 PCPs who use the GWA in a network of community-based practices. Four main themes regarding GWA implementation emerged: benefits to clinical care, challenges in practice, CDS-specific issues, and physician-recommended improvements. Sub-themes included value in improving patient access to genetic services, inadequate time to discuss GWA recommendations, lack of patient follow-through with recommendations, an d alert fatigue. While PCPs valued the GWA’s clinical utility, a number of challenges were identified in the administration and use of the GWA in practice. Based on participants’ recommendations, iterative changes have been made to the GWA and workflow to increase efficiency, upgrade the CDS pro cess, and provide additional education to PCPs and patients. Future studies are needed to assess a diverse sample of physicians’ and patients’ perspectives on the utility of FHH screening utilizing EHR-based genomics recommendations.
Source: Journal of Community Genetics - Category: Genetics & Stem Cells Source Type: research