Research Projects: Assisting Consumers with Health Plan Choice (Assimilation of Information)

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Purpose of Project:

Examine the effectiveness of (a) alternative methods presenting health plan information: paper vs. computer, listing vs. matrix and (b) for the computer groups, different information processing tools and features. A unique web-based system has been designed especially for this project. Five hundred subjects are being randomly assigned to one of 16 different experimental groups and are asked to look at information about 5 health plans, select a preferred plan, respond to questions about content and format of the health plan information, and provide background information on their decision-making style and health care experiences.

Project Duration: September 1998 to June 2001

Participating Personnel:

Principal Investigator and Contact Person: Bridget Booske

Sponsoring Agency:

Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality

Reports:

• Final Report