Uptake of an Integrated Electronic Questionnaire System in Community Pediatric Clinics

The study aimed to evaluate an integrated electronic questionnaire system implementation in outpatient community pediatric practices on workflow, completion rates, and recorded scores.

We evaluated the implementation and outcomes of an integrated electronic questionnaire system at 45 community pediatric practices that used standardized questionnaires to screen for autism, depression, and substance use and to measure asthma control. Electronic health record (EHR) data for all well child visits were extracted for the 3 months before and after implementation. We used statistical process control charts to evaluate questionnaire completion rates and Chi-square tests to evaluate screening completion and positive screening rates. The collection and entry of questionnaire information was observed and timed.

EHR data included 107,120 encounters across 45 practices that showed significant and sustained improvement in completion rates for all questionnaires. The rate of recorded concerning questionnaires decreased for asthma control (19.3 vs. 12.8%, p < 0.001), stayed the same for autism (96.6 vs. 96.2%, p = 0.38), decreased for depression (9.5 vs. 6.7%, p ≤ 0.001), and increased for any substance use (9.8 vs. 12.8%, p < 0.001). Twelve practices were observed, and patient time and staff time managing questionnaires were decreased after implementation.

Electronic questionnaire administration saved staff time and patient time. We report overall improvement in questionnaire completion rates, with notable variation in improvement in completion across practices and in change in concerning recorded result rates across measures.

Conversion of four standard paper questionnaires to an integrated electronic system reduces patient and staff time while increasing completion rates when well integrated into routine care.