Reducing unnecessary lab tests in hospitals in British Columbia
Re-Purposing the Ordering of Routine Laboratory Testing in Hospitalized Medical Patients in British Columbia
This study is testing a new approach to see if teaching doctors and involving patients can help reduce unnecessary lab tests in hospitals in British Columbia.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 700000 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of British Columbia Academic / other |
| Locations | 4 sites (Prince George, British Columbia and 3 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT06359587 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of an intervention bundle designed to reduce the overuse of laboratory tests in 16 hospitals across British Columbia. Using a stepped-wedge cluster randomized design, the study will implement the intervention sequentially in hospital clusters, assessing its impact on test utilization among hospitalized medical patients. The intervention includes educational tools for healthcare providers, patient engagement materials, and data sharing on test utilization patterns. The goal is to improve patient outcomes by minimizing unnecessary testing and its associated discomfort.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adult general medical patients admitted to participating hospitals under general internal medicine or family medicine care.
Not a fit: Patients who are not admitted to the participating hospitals or those not under the care of the specified provider groups may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could lead to reduced patient discomfort and improved hospital resource utilization.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success in reducing laboratory test overuse through similar educational and engagement interventions, indicating potential for positive outcomes in this approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Participants involved in this study include the following groups: patients and healthcare providers (including learners, physicians and allied health staff) Inclusion Criteria: * Patients: The study will include all adult general medical patients that are admitted to the selected hospital during the study period under general internal medicine or family medicine (hospitalist) provider groups. * Attending Physicians: All physicians who provide patient care in the general internal medicine or family medicine (hospitalist) provider groups in selected hospitals * Learners and allied health staff (Medical Students/Resident physicians/Clinical Assistants/ Nurse Practitioners, etc.): All those who help take care of patients and can order labs during the study period in the under general internal medicine or family medicine (hospitalist) provider groups in selected hospitals The date range for both groups will extend from May 2024 until study completion in October 2026. Exclusion Criteria: * Patients: all patients in specialized medical units (e.g., coronary care, dialysis units, bone marrow transplants units etc.), in critical care, pediatric, obstetrical, surgical, and psychiatric units. * Patients and Health Care Providers (HCPs) who are not in the internal medicine or family medicine groups
Where this trial is running
Prince George, British Columbia and 3 other locations
- University Hospital of Northern British Columbia — Prince George, British Columbia, Canada (Recruiting)
- Mount St. Joseph's Hospital — Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (Recruiting)
- Vancouver General Hospital — Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (Recruiting)
- St. Paul's Hospital — Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Anshula Ambasta — University of British Columbia
- Study coordinator: Anshula Ambasta
- Email: anshula.ambasta@ubc.ca
- Phone: 4036184586
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.