Process evaluation of the implementation of a personalized digital care pathway tool using the RE-AIM framework

Area of Science:

• Digital Health
• Healthcare Informatics
• Patient Engagement

Background:

• Personalized Digital Care Pathways (PDCP) offer a novel approach to patient information delivery.
• Evaluating the implementation of digital tools is crucial for healthcare modernization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the implementation of a PDCP tool across diverse patient groups.
• To evaluate patient reach, perceived information effectiveness, professional adoption, and practical implementation of the PDCP tool.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods process evaluation using the RE-AIM framework.
• Data collected via patient questionnaires, user statistics, interviews, and focus groups.

Main Results:

• The PDCP tool was most effective for digitally literate, information-seeking patients.
• Healthcare professional adoption depended on development involvement and perceived value.
• Successful implementation required a user-friendly, integrated tool with ongoing support.

Conclusions:

• The PDCP tool shows promise for enhancing patient information delivery in healthcare.
• Sustained value necessitates dedicated development, implementation efforts, and organizational commitment.
• Future research should focus on integrating digital tools into hospital information systems for seamless workflow.