A randomized controlled trial to evaluate the use of a web-based application to manage medications during in vitro fertilization

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the use of a web-based application that assists in medication management during in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment.

Design: Multicenter randomized controlled trial.

Setting: University hospitals.

Patient(s): Women undergoing IVF.

Intervention(s): Subjects were recruited to assess quality of life during IVF and were randomly assigned to use either the OnTrack application to assist with medication management or conventional medication management. Surveys were administered at four time points.

Main outcome measure(s): Medication surplus, incidence of medication errors, amount of patient-initiated communication, and patient satisfaction.

Result(s): A total of 153 women participated. The average number of portal messages and telephone calls was similar between groups. Twelve patients in the control group (12/69, 17.4%) and 8 patients in the case group (8/72, 11.1%) made medication errors. There were similar amounts of medication surplus in the two groups. The estimated cost of medication waste was $2,578 ± $2,056 in the control group and $2,554 ± $1,855 in the case group. Patient satisfaction was similar between the two groups.

Conclusion(s): Use of a web-based application did not decrease medication errors, medication surplus, or patient-initiated messages. Many patients had a medication surplus, which can be an area of cost reduction during IVF.

Clinical trial registration number: Clinicaltrials.gov NCT03383848.

Keywords: Electronic medical record; medication errors; medication surplus; patient satisfaction; web-based application.