Effect of an algorithm for automatic placing of standardised test order sets on low-value appointments and attendance rates at four Spanish teaching hospitals: an interrupted time series analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Reducing backlogs for elective care is a priority for healthcare systems. We conducted an interrupted time series analysis demonstrating the effect of an algorithm for placing automatic test order sets prior to first specialist appointment on avoidable follow-up appointments and attendance rates.

Design

Interrupted time series analysis.

Setting

4 academic hospitals from Madrid, Spain.

Participants

Patients referred from primary care attending 10 033 470 outpatient appointments from 16 clinical specialties during a 6-year period (1 January 2018 to 30 June 2023).

Intervention

An algorithm using natural language processing was launched in May 2021. Test order sets developed for 257 presenting complaints from 16 clinical specialties were placed aut

SUBMITTER: Alvaro de la Parra JA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10824031 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature