Evaluating the MyPath web-based reproductive decision support tool in VA primary care: Protocol for a pragmatic cluster randomized trial
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Published on: January 19, 2024
Lisa S Callegari1, Samantha K Benson2, Siobhan S Mahorter2
1Health Services Research and Development, Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, USA; Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, USA; Department of Health Systems and Population Health, University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle, USA.
Background:
Counseling to identify and support individuals' desires for family formation is a key component of preventive health care that is often absent in primary care visits. This study evaluates a novel, web-based, person-centered intervention to increase the frequency and quality of communication about reproductive goals and healthcare needs in Veterans Health Administration (VA) primary care.
Methods:
We describe a hybrid type 1 effectiveness-implementation cluster randomized controlled trial in seven VA healthcare systems testing a web-based reproductive health decision support tool (MyPath). VA primary care providers are enrolled and randomized to intervention or usual care arms. Veterans scheduled to see intervention-arm providers receive a text message inviting them to use MyPath ahead of their appointment; Veterans scheduled to see control-arm providers receive usual care. Target enrollment is 36 providers and 456 Veterans. Outcomes are assessed by Veteran self-report after the visit and at 3- and 6-months follow-up. The primary outcome is occurrence of reproductive health discussions involving shared decision making; secondary outcomes include measures of communication, knowledge, decision conflict, contraceptive utilization, and receipt of services related to prepregnancy health. Data on implementation barriers, facilitators and cost are collected.
Results:
The trial is ongoing with no results to report. We have enrolled 36 primary care providers across 7 VA healthcare systems and recruitment of Veterans is ongoing.
Conclusions:
Results will inform efforts to increase the quality and person-centeredness of reproductive healthcare delivery in primary care and to operationalize and scale up use of digital decision support tools in clinical settings.
Trial Registration:
http://ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04584294 Trial Status: Recruiting.
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