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Comparative Study
. 2007 Spring;28(3):31-45.

Testing consumers' comprehension of quality measures using alternative reporting formats

Margaret Gerteis  1 , Jessie S Gerteis, David Newman, Christopher Koepke
Affiliations
Comparative Study

Testing consumers' comprehension of quality measures using alternative reporting formats

Margaret Gerteis et al. Health Care Financ Rev. 2007 Spring.

Abstract

CMS has publicly reported nursing home quality measures since 2002, but research has shown that many users do not understand them. Alternative visual displays may improve comprehension. We developed seven reporting templates in different formats, including bar graphs like those displayed on the CMS Nursing Home Compare Web site www.medicare.gov, and tested them with 90 individuals age 45-75, using structured protocols. Tests of significance were conducted, and statistically significant findings identified. Fewer than one-half the respondents accurately interpreted bar graphs as currently displayed on the Nursing Home Compare Web site. Respondents made fewest errors on templates using words to characterize performance as better, average, or worse.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Evaluative Table with Words
Figure 2
Figure 2. Numeric Table with Stars
Figure 3
Figure 3. Bar Graph with Line
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

    1. Barents Group, KPMG Consulting. Potential Audiences and Uses of Publicly Reported Quality Data. McLean, VA.: Nov, 2001. Final Report to the Centers for Medicare Medicaid Services.
    1. Barents Group, KPMG Consulting. Consumer Testing of the Out-of-Pocket Costs Page of Medicare Personal Plan Finder. McLean, VA.: Sep 9, 2002. Final Report to the Centers for Medicare Medicaid Services.
    1. Barents Group, KPMG Consulting. Describing Target Audiences for Facility-Specific Quality Information Provided by Medicare. McLean, VA.: Jan, 2003. Final Report to the Centers for Medicare Medicaid Services.
    1. BearingPoint, Inc. Findings from Consumer Testing of Decision Tools for Medicare.gov. McLean, VA.: 2003a. Final Report to the Centers for Medicare Medicaid Services.
    1. BearingPoint, Inc. Consumer Testing of Home Health Compare Web Site Prototype. McLean, VA.: 2003b. Final Report to the Centers for Medicare Medicaid Services.

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