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Table 2 Patient population and primary outcome for each of 3 replicates

From: The Ontario printed educational message (OPEM) trial to narrow the evidence-practice gap with respect to prescribing practices of general and family physicians: a cluster randomized controlled trial, targeting the care of individuals with diabetes and hypertension in Ontario, Canada

Replicate Evidence/Practice Gap Patients studied Expected patient N Primary Outcome
1 Use of ACE inhibitors, blood pressure and cholesterol-reducing drugs (ABCs); each fall short of guideline targets by at least 30% All prevalent cases of persons with diabetes, aged ≥ 65 years 280,000 % of target patients receiving an ACE inhibitor, % receiving 2 or more antihypertensive, and % receiving lipid-lowering drug
2 Retinopathy screening in incident Type 2 DM; 50% below guideline-recommended levels All incident cases of persons with diabetes, aged >30 years 100,000 % of target patients receiving complete eye exam from optometrist or ophthalmologist
3 Use of hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) as initial therapy in uncomplicated hypertension; ~40% below guideline-recommended levels All patients ≥ 65 years, newly initiated on antihypertensive therapy 30,000 % of target patients receiving a diuretic
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