Applying the Intention-Action Framework to Specialty Referrals (NCT07671976) | Clinical Trial Compass
Not Yet RecruitingNot Applicable
Applying the Intention-Action Framework to Specialty Referrals
United States1,600 participantsStarted 2026-07-01
Plain-language summary
This is a prospective randomized controlled trial evaluating an EHR-embedded behavioral intervention intended to reduce low-value specialty referrals in cardiology, pulmonology, and gastroenterology. The intervention is designed to (1) strengthen physicians' intentions to avoid low-value specialty referrals at the point of encounter by presenting criteria for high-value referrals and informing physicians that referral decisions may be reviewed and (2) support follow-through on these intentions by modifying the referral process through structured checklist prompts embedded within the referral workflow.
The primary hypothesis is that physicians exposed to the intervention will demonstrate lower rates of low-value cardiology, pulmonology, and gastroenterology referrals compared with physicians exposed to the arm where the order composer allows physicians to place referrals with minimal decision support.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* UCLA Health physicians who have made at least one specialty referral to cardiology, pulmonology, or gastroenterology for patients in UCLA Health primary care registry during July-December 2025
Exclusion Criteria:
* Physicians who are no longer actively practicing at UCLA Health as of July 1, 2026
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Physician-level rate of low-value specialty referrals per 100 referral relevant encounters