Evaluation of the dialysis facility compare website tool on Medicare.gov

Abstract

Background. Medicare launched its Dialysis Facility Compare (DFC) website tool on Medicare.gov in 2001. This article reports on the methods and results of our recent evaluation of that website tool. Methods. We conducted qualitative research with 270 dialysis and pre-dialysis patients, family members, and dialysis professionals to obtain feedback, to study respondents' information needs, and to identify ways to improve DFC. Results. Participants viewed DFC as providing useful information, but also as needing improvement in both content and usability. Conclusions. We recommended a number of improvements to DFC, many of which have been implemented by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Our methods and results can provide guidance for future efforts to evaluate other patient-oriented renal care websites.