Abstract
BackgroundEvidence-based information available at the point of care improves patient care outcomes. Online knowledge bases can increase the application of evidence-based medicine and influence patient outcome data which may be captured in quality registries. The aim of this study was to explore the effect of use of an online knowledge base on patient experiences and health care quality.MethodsThe study was conducted as a retrospective, observational study of 24 primary health care centers in Sweden exploring their use of an online knowledge base. Frequency of use was compared to patient outcomes in two national quality registries. A socio-economic Care Need Index was applied to assess whether the burden of care influenced the results from those quality registries. Non-parametric statistical methods and linear regression were used.ResultsFrequency of knowledge base use showed two groups: frequent and non-frequent users, with a significant use difference between the groups (p < 0.001). Outcome data showed significant higher values for all seven National Primary Care Patient Survey dimensions in the frequent compared to the non-frequent knowledge base users (p < 0.001), whereas 10 out of 11 parameters in the National Diabetes Register showed no differences between the groups (p > 0.05). Adjusting for Care Need Index had almost no effect on the outcomes for the groups.ConclusionsFrequent users of a national online knowledge base received higher ratings on patient experiences, but figures on health care quality in diabetes showed near to no correlation. The findings indicate that some effects may be attributed to the use of knowledge bases and requires a controlled evaluation.
Highlights
Evidence-based information available at the point of care improves patient care outcomes
The present study explored the effect of use of an online knowledge base on patient experiences and health care quality in primary health care centers in Sweden
Patient experiences All seven dimensions of the National Primary Care Patient Survey—overall impression, emotional support, participation and involvement, respect and treatment, continuity and coordination, information and knowledge, and accessibility—were rated significantly higher among patients listed at primary health care centers in the frequent user group vs. those in the non-frequent user group (Table 2)
Summary
Evidence-based information available at the point of care improves patient care outcomes. The aim of this study was to explore the effect of use of an online knowl‐ edge base on patient experiences and health care quality. The present study explored the effect of use of an online knowledge base on patient experiences and health care quality in primary health care centers in Sweden. The possible effects of knowledge base use on patient care outcomes in quality registries are scarcely reported. In order to apply evidence-based medicine in practice, knowledge is needed at the point of care [3]. By capturing evidence-based medicine health care outcomes in medical quality registries, real-world evidence can be used to improve the quality of health care [5, 6]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
