Impact and outcome evaluation of HealthPathways: a scoping review of published methodologies

INTRODUCTION The HealthPathways programme is an online health information system used mainly in primary health care to promote a consistent and integrated approach to patient care. AIM The aim of this study is to perform a scoping review of the methodologies used in published impact and outcomes evaluations of HealthPathways programmes. METHODS The review included qualitative, quantitative or mixed-methods evaluations of the impact or outcome of HealthPathways. MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL and Web of Science databases were searched. Seven programme aims were identified in the impact and outcome evaluation: (1) increased awareness and use of HealthPathways; (2) general practitioners are supported to adopt best practice, patient-centred care; (3) increased appropriate use of resources and services; (4) improved quality of referrals; (5) enhanced consistent care and management of health conditions; (6) improved patient journeys through the local health system; and (7) reduction in health-care cost and increased value for money. RESULTS Twenty-one studies were included in the final review; 15 were research papers and six were reports. 'Increased awareness and use of HealthPathways' was the most frequent programme aim evaluated (n = 12). Quantitative and qualitative research methodologies, as well as prospective and retrospective data collections, have been adopted to evaluate the impact and outcome of HealthPathways. DISCUSSION Assessing the impacts and outcomes of HealthPathways may be challenging due to limitations in primary data and the interconnectedness of change across the measured aims. Each aim may therefore require specific methodologies sensitive enough to capture the impact that HealthPathways are making over time.