Evaluating the MyPath web-based reproductive decision support tool in VA primary care: Protocol for a pragmatic cluster randomized trial

Abstract

BackgroundCounseling 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. MethodsWe 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. ResultsThe 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. ConclusionsResults 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: NCT04584294Trial Status: Recruiting.