Abstract
Background: The interRAI home care (interRAI-HC) instrument is valid, reliable, and capable of enhancing integration across health settings. However, its uptake has been met with criticism. If interRAI-HC information were shared with primary care providers in a useable, actionable, and context-appropriate manner, evidence suggests that its implementation could enhance care provision and integration between these providers. The objective of this study was to co-develop an information sharing tool with primary care providers for sharing clinical information from the interRAI-HC (named the Patient Falls Risk Report). Methods: This mixed-methods study, conducted from December 2019 to May 2020, employed qualitative and quantitative methods to develop and test the usability of the Patient Falls Risk Report. After recruiting primary care providers via snowball and maximum variation sampling, we employed semi-structured interviews in-person and over the telephone. The interview transcripts were analyzed through iterative thematic analysis and informed development of the report. Next, online surveys based on the System Usability Scale instrument were completed by a voluntary response sample of primary care providers and residents and descriptively analyzed to test the usability of the report.Results: Of the interview sample (n=9), we found that most believed that the Patient Falls Risk Report could support patient care by sharing relevant and actionable falls-related information. However, criticisms were identified including insufficient detail, lack of clarity, and limited support for shared care planning. After incorporating participants’ suggestions for improvement, a sample of primary care providers and primary care residents (n=27) determined that the report had excellent usability with an overall usability score of 83.4 (95% CI = 78.7, 88.2). Conclusions: By emphasizing usability and utility, and prioritizing the needs of end-users, sustainable interRAI-HC interventions can be developed and implemented to support care planning in primary care.