Table 6 Actionable strategies to optimize successful implementation of the QOD calculators

Actionable strategies targeted toward health care systems

• Clearly articulate the potential utility of the calculators to key stakeholders

• Ensure all relevant stakeholders (e.g., surgeons, administrators, clinical support staff, health IT professionals) are involved in implementation decisions for the calculators

• Conduct a feasibility pilot to test workflows and identify site-specific implementation barriers

• Establish which entities will have access to calculator results

• Explore opportunities to integrate the web-based calculators into the EHR interface

Actionable strategies targeted toward health care providers

• Leverage clinical support staff to assist in reminding surgeons to administer/discuss calculators with patients

• Remind surgeons of the calculator during regular staff meetings

• Develop simple talking points and scripts for providers to use when discussing the calculators with patients. This should include disclaimers on the limitations of the calculators.

Actionable strategies targeted toward patients

• Provide patients with clear and concise rationale for why information is being collected and how the calculators may be used.

• Develop layperson explanations of key terms, including disability, probability, and improvement. These should be provided along with calculator results.

• Limit redundancy of data entry by pulling relevant information from existing data sources (e.g., demographic data from the EHR) when possible

• Provide options for patients to complete the calculator at-home and in-clinic