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

Abstract

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.

Online Consent Enables a Randomized, Controlled Trial Testing a Patient-Centered Online Decision-Aid for Medicare Beneficiaries to Meet Recruitment Goal in Short Time Frame

“…Meeting our recruitment goal in the limited time frame would not have been possible using traditional consent methods. For comparison, a previous study that enrolled Medicare beneficiaries during Medicare Open Enrollment period recruited 44 participants using the traditional face-to-face consent method (10). Although consent was completed solely online, many potential participants found it helpful to connect with a live person.…”

Patient Experience from an eHealth Perspective: A Scoping Review of Approaches and Recent Trends

“…"Patient perception" refers to the "perception of the interaction related to use of a telemedicine service" [22] or to "patient perceptions of the virtual rounding experience" [32]. In six articles, the terms are used in parallel with various meanings [21,22,28,31,32,34] and two articles even equate the terms UX and PX [37,38].…”

“…• Technologies to support virtual visitsfor example, in primary care [39] and virtual care, including video consults and remote monitoring of vitals-among patients with COVID-19 [40]; • Online tools and platforms for patientsfor example, a self-management program for patients with scleroderma [41], an online prescription drug choice tool [38], and an online platform for patients undergoing primary hip and knee replacements [42]; • mHealth applications-for example, a mobile health solution to support people with heart disease [43] and heart failure [44], and a mobile biobehavioral regulation system for trauma patients [45].…”

“…Usability, user-centered design, and participatory development of eHealth with patients: The articles on PX include studies with patient-centered design [44,38,47], usability evaluation [48], and research on users' experiences on acceptability of an intervention [37]. Study findings indicate that solutions designed with a patient-centered approach improved UX [38] and demonstrated high patient satisfaction scores [47]. Further, two articles [30,49] describe a framework to inform the patient-oriented design technology solutions for improving PX.…”

Cost-Savings and Patient Experience with a Pharmacy-Led Medicare Part D Consultation Service

“… 7 While work has been done to evaluate patient satisfaction and experience with other community pharmacy services, factors contributing to patient perceptions and experiences with Medicare Part D consultations offered in community pharmacy settings are not well understood. 8 – 11 There is clear need to understand patient perceptions of the pharmacist’s role in and knowledge of Medicare Part D plan selection, allowing for a greater understanding of Medicare Part D service use, value, and experience, while identifying patient benefits like cost-savings opportunities.…”