Comparative Usability Study of a Newly Created Patient-Centered Tool and Plan Finder to Help Medicare Beneficiaries Choose Prescription Drug Plans

Introduction: In response to reported difficulties in selecting a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan, we designed a patient-centered online Part D plan selection tool (CHOICE1.0) to simplify the selection process and to provide personalized, expert recommendations. Methods: This ethnographic com...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Cheryl D Stults PhD, Sayeh Fattahi BS, BA, Amy Meehan MPH, M Kate Bundorf PhD, Albert S Chan MD, MS, Ting Pun PhD, Ming Tai-Seale PhD, MPH
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: SAGE Publishing 2019-03-01
Series:Journal of Patient Experience
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1177/2374373518778343
Description
Summary:Introduction: In response to reported difficulties in selecting a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan, we designed a patient-centered online Part D plan selection tool (CHOICE1.0) to simplify the selection process and to provide personalized, expert recommendations. Methods: This ethnographic comparative usability study observed 44 patients using the first version of the tool during Medicare 2016 Open Enrollment. Participants were observed as they chose their drug plan using Medicare.gov and 1 of 3 versions of CHOICE1.0 that varied in amount of expert guidance. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze exit survey data. The observations were video-recorded, and field notes were analyzed thematically. Results: Participants were significantly more satisfied with CHOICE1.0 for choosing a plan, understanding information, and ease of use compared to Medicare.gov . Those using expert versions of CHOICE1.0 were more likely to indicate their intention to switch plans than those using Medicare.gov , though they wanted to know the source and content. Conclusion: The more patient-centered prescription drug choice tool improved user experience and enabled users to choose plans more consistent with expert recommendations.
ISSN:2374-3743
2374-3735