A tool for evaluating the potential for cost-effective outcomes measurement

Area of Science:

• Medical Education Research
• Healthcare Quality Improvement
• Outcomes Measurement

Background:

• Higher-level outcomes measurement, particularly patient health outcomes (Level 6), presents significant cost challenges.
• Smaller, less-funded continuing medical education (CME) programs face a disproportionately high cost burden.
• Existing barriers to measuring patient health outcomes can be overcome.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a cost-effective tool for measuring patient health outcomes resulting from CME interventions.
• To predict the likelihood of CME interventions leading to significant changes in physician performance.
• To guide CME programs in selecting appropriate topics and practice change indicators for effective outcomes measurement.

Main Methods:

• A sequential, YES/NO decision-making tool was developed by Temple University School of Medicine's Office for Continuing Medical Education.
• The tool assesses factors influencing the likelihood of practice change, including impact, evidence support, population affected, external drivers, physician motivation, and ease of implementation.
• Appropriate selection of CME topics and practice change indicators are integral to the tool's function.

Main Results:

• Positive responses to all six assessment factors indicate a higher probability of intended practice-related changes occurring.
• The tool facilitates accurate prediction of potential programmatic outcomes.
• Successful prediction allows for the use of simpler, less costly measurement methodologies.

Conclusions:

• A systematic approach can make measuring patient health outcomes from CME interventions more cost-effective.
• The developed tool aids in predicting the success of CME interventions in improving physician practice and patient health.
• This strategy can help overcome financial and participant-related barriers to outcomes measurement in CME.