Intervention for reducing the overuse of upper endoscopy in patients <45 years: a protocol for a stepwise...

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Medical Gastroenterology
• Behavioral Science in Medicine

Background:

• Healthcare service utilization varies significantly across and within nations, influenced by factors like social determinants of health.
• Even in universal healthcare systems like Norway's, unwarranted variations in medical and surgical intervention rates exist between and within health regions.
• Current interventions to reduce overuse often lack detailed strategies, assuming knowledge alone will drive change.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate a multifaceted intervention protocol designed to reduce the overuse of upper endoscopy in a Norwegian health region.
• To assess the effectiveness of combining digital tools and psychological methods for behavioral change in healthcare workers.
• To analyze the specific impact of individual components within the intervention package on reducing unnecessary procedures.

Main Methods:

• Development and implementation of a protocol integrating digital tools and psychological strategies targeting healthcare worker behavior.
• Focus on reducing the overuse of upper endoscopy, particularly in patients under 45 years of age.
• Multifaceted intervention approach designed to alter clinical decision-making and patient care pathways.

Main Results:

• The study protocol is described, outlining a novel approach to address unwarranted variation in healthcare.
• The intervention aims to modify healthcare worker practices concerning upper endoscopy utilization.
• Evaluation of the intervention's effectiveness in reducing overuse is the primary objective.

Conclusions:

• A novel protocol combining digital tools and behavioral science is proposed to reduce the overuse of upper endoscopy.
• The intervention targets unwarranted variation in healthcare utilization by influencing provider behavior.
• Further evaluation is planned to determine the overall and component-specific effectiveness of the intervention.