Optimizing Adherence Through Provider and Patient Messaging

Health care organizations continue to look for cost-effective ways to modify patient behaviors toward a healthier lifestyle, including improving compliance with evidence-based treatment guidelines. This study evaluated the impact on compliance to evidence-based guidelines associated with a member messaging program (MMP) that is delivered via hard copy through the mail and also electronically via web portals. Anonymized member data were reviewed using disease-specific algorithms designed to find gaps in evidence-based care. Gap closure was monitored over a 6-month period after identification and was the main outcome under study. MMP members received at least 1 message describing a specific gap in care identified via claims data. In addition, if a match was possible, the same message also was sent to the member's physician. MMP members were then compared to a cohort not receiving messages but having the same gaps in care. Multiple regression analysis was performed using a generalized linear model with gap closure as the outcome to infer the relationship between receiving a notification and closing a gap in care. Of the 140 gaps addressed in the study, 23 showed a statistically significant (P < 0.05) difference in gap closure rates between the messaged group and the non-messaged group. Diabetes-related gap closures accounted for 10 of the 23 significant outcomes. Messages notifying of a gap in care can influence member health care adherence to evidence-based guidelines, particularly with diabetes-related gaps in care. (Population Health Management 2016;19:264-271).