Testing a Medication Risk Communication and Surveillance Strategy: The EMC2 Trial

Testing a Medication Risk Communication and Surveillance Strategy: The EMC2 Trial

This study evaluates the effectiveness of an electronic health record based educational intervention (the EMC2 strategy) to improve patient understanding and use of higher-risk medications. Half of the participants will receive the intervention, while the other half will receive the usual amount of information (usual care).

Research has repeatedly demonstrated that individuals lack essential information on how to safely take prescribed (Rx) medications. A risk communication and surveillance strategy is needed in primary care to ensure that patients are adequately informed about medication risks and are taking prescribed regimens safely.

The investigators devised an Electronic health record-based Medication Complete Communication (EMC2) Strategy that leverages electronic health record (EHR) and interactive voice response (IVR) technologies to:

1. prompt and guide provider counseling,
2. automate the delivery of Medication Guides at prescribing,
3. follow patients post-visit to confirm prescription understanding and use, and
4. deliver a care alert back to providers to inform them of any potential harms.

Inclusion Criteria:

• 21 and older
• English or spanish speaking
• Primarily responsible for administering own medications
• New prescription of one of 66 study medications on day of recruitment
• Has a personal mobile or land line phone

Exclusion Criteria:

• Severe, uncorrectable vision
• Hearing or cognitive impairments