An Automatic Notification System for Test Results Finalized After Discharge

Specific Aims: (Study #1, funded by AHRQ, completed May 2011) 1. To create an automatic notification system to prompt physicians of test results finalized after discharge. 2. To evaluate the impact of this system on physician awareness of test results finalized after discharge. Hypothesis: Automatic email notification will improve physician awareness of test results finalized after discharge compared to usual care. Specific Aims: (Study #2, funded by CRICO, completed July 2012) 1. To identify a cohort of discharged patients with potentially actionable results of tests pending at discharge (TPAD). 2. To determine if automated email notification of the finalized results of potentially actionable TPADs affects the rate of post-discharge actions taken as documented in the electronic medical record (EMR). Hypothesis: Automated email notification of the finalized results of potentially actionable TPADs increases the rate of actions taken post-discharge.