Provider Adherence to a Point-of-Care Reminder for H. pylori Patient Education

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a bacterium that causes Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and gastric cancer. It has a treatment failure rate higher than 20%. Patient education materials (PEMs) positively affect H. pylori eradication rates and treatment compliance. Purpose: The purpose of this quality improvement project was to provide PEMs for patients diagnosed with H. pylori at the point of care. Methods: Fifteen providers in an urban gastroenterology practice were instructed on the use, access, and importance of PEMs for patients diagnosed with H. pylori at the point of care. An in-service provided the instruction and PEMs were added to the electronic health record (EHR) with a point-of-care reminder for provider access. A 14-day pre-intervention and post-intervention chart review was completed to record providers' use of PEMs for patients diagnosed with H. pylori at the point of care. Results: A paired t-test was conducted with the pre-and post-intervention groups. A statistically significant improvement (p < .001) indicated the number of PEMs post-intervention was significant. Providers' adherence to the point of care reminder for utilization of PEMs was measured at 79.6%. Discussion: Provider use of PEMs increases in clinical practice when training programs and a point of care reminder are utilized. Additional research is recommended to explore clinical implications. Conclusion: Adding PEMs to the EHR with a point of care reminder for staff improves provider use of PEMs and can improve the quality of care.