EMR-Based Intervention Improves Lead Screening at an Urban Family Medicine Practice

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Health
• Public Health Interventions
• Health Informatics

Background:

• Elevated blood lead levels (BLLs) pose significant risks to children's growth and development.
• Despite known risks, BLL screening rates remain suboptimal.
• Low screening rates highlight a need for improved clinical practices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of electronic health record (EHR) reminders on provider ordering of BLL tests.
• To assess changes in BLL screening test ordering rates in an urban academic family medicine setting.
• To identify potential strategies for improving BLL screening completion.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective chart review comparing 10-week periods before and after EHR intervention.
• Implementation of an EHR note template update with screening reminders for pediatric visits.
• Calculation of BLL test ordering and completion rates for eligible children aged 9-72 months.

Main Results:

• Provider ordering rates for BLL tests increased from 21% to 49% of eligible patients post-intervention.
• The number of eligible children with tests ordered rose significantly.
• Test completion rates showed a marginal increase from 17% to 18%.

Conclusions:

• EHR-based reminder systems are effective in enhancing provider ordering of BLL tests.
• Further research is needed to improve BLL test completion rates.
• Point-of-care BLL sample collection is being explored to boost screening success.