WASHINGTON — When it comes to the success of consumer directed health plans communication and information tools are key.

According to a new study conducted jointly by global consulting firm Watson Wyatt Worldwide and the RAND Corporation, a nonprofit research organization, most employers cite employee communication as their greatest challenge in introducing CDHPs and during the plan's first year.

Employers, on average, began communicating information about the new plan to workers four months prior to open enrollment.

Another challenge that employers face when offering a CDHP is providing workers with information they need to help make good decisions about health care cost and quality. The study found that employers are generally pleased with Web-based, out-of-pocket cost calculators for employees. However, they find that specific resources needed to help workers evaluate the cost and quality of care from specific providers are often lacking.