title: Development, implementation and evaluation of an electronic medical record prompt for bone density testing.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to assess whether an electronic prompt promoting BMD testing affected the proportion of patients who received BMD and/or bone health medication. Rheumatology providers of patients 40+, on prednisone, with no record of BMD testing in the past 2 years, were targeted with the message: 'This patient is at risk for osteoporosis due to prednisone use. We have no record of a recent Dexa scan.' We also surveyed providers on the prompt's value. The use of prednisone remained stable; BMD testing was quite low in all periods but increased slightly (non-statistically) over time, as did bone health medication use. Providers found the prompt not tailored enough to be clinically meaningful. Electronic prompts seem beneficial in theory; however, putting them into practice has challenges. While the EMR has great potential to improve care, more needs to be done to ensure optimal use.
authors.affiliation: HealthPartners Research Foundation, Minneapolis, MN 55440-1524, USA. cheri.j.rolnick@healthpartners.com
authors.forename: Sharon J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Rolnick
authors.forename: Jody M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Jackson
authors.forename: Jerry H
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Amundson
mesh_terms: D015502:Absorptiometry, Photon / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D000465:Algorithms; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D015519:Bone Density / Q000187:drug effects; D020000:Decision Support Systems, Clinical; D057286:Electronic Health Records; D006801:Humans; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000517:prevention & control; D011241:Prednisone / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017010:Reminder Systems; D012219:Rheumatology
chemical_list: D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D011241:Prednisone