Computer-generated mailed reminders for influenza immunization (original) (raw)

Abstract

A randomized, single-blind, controlled trial was performed at a community health center to measure the impact of computer-generated reminders mailed to patients on the rate of influenza immunization. High-risk patients were randomized to one of three groups: 1) usual care, 2) one reminder letter, offering free influenza immunization without an appointment, or 3) two sequential reminder letters, offering the same. The reminders did not significantly affect rates of influenza immunization. Analysis of the combined groups indicates that an appointment with a primary care provider remains the most reliable method of immunizing high-risk patients at this health center.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Subscribe and save

Buy Now

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

References

  1. Centers for Disease Control. Public health burden of vaccine-preventable diseases among adults: standards for adult immunization practice. MMWR. 1990;39:725–9.
    Google Scholar
  2. Williams WW, Hickson MA, Kane MA, Kendal AP, Spika JS, Hinman AR. Immunization policies and vaccine coverage in adults: the risk for missed opportunities. Ann Intern Med. 1988;108:616–25.
    PubMed CAS Google Scholar
  3. U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Guide to clinical preventive services: an assessment of the effectiveness of 169 interventions. Baltimore: Williams and Wilkins, 1989;366.
    Google Scholar
  4. Gelfman DM, Witherspoon JM, Buchsbaum DG, Centor RM. Short-term results of an immunization compliance program. Va Med. 1986;113:532–4.
    PubMed CAS Google Scholar
  5. Turner RC, Waivers LE, O’Brien K. The effect of patient-carried reminder cards on the performance of health maintenance measures. Arch Intern Med. 1990;150:645–7.
    Article PubMed CAS Google Scholar
  6. Harris RP, O’Malley MS, Fletcher SW, Knight BP. Prompting physicians for preventive procedures: a five year study of manual and computer reminders. Am J Prev Med. 1990;6:145–52.
    PubMed CAS Google Scholar
  7. Centers for Disease Control. Prevention and control of influenza: recommendations of the Immunization Practices Advisory Committee (ACIP). MMWR. 1991;40(RR-6):1–15.
    Google Scholar
  8. Barnett GO. The application of computer-based medical-record systems in ambulatory practice. N Engl J Med. 1984;310:1643–50.
    Article PubMed CAS Google Scholar
  9. Frame PS. Can computerized reminder systems have an impact on preventive services in practice? J Gen Intern Med. 1990;5 (S/O suppl):S112-S115.
    PubMed CAS Google Scholar
  10. Hayward RSA, Steinberg EP, Ford DE, Roizen MF, Roach KW. Preventive care guidelines: 1991. Ann Intern Med. 1991;114:758–83.
    PubMed CAS Google Scholar
  11. Larson EB, Bergman J, Heidrich F, Alvin BL, Schneeweiss R. Do postcard reminders improve influenza vaccination compliance? A prospective trial of different postcard “cues.” Med Care. 1982;20:639–48.
    Article PubMed CAS Google Scholar
  12. Buchner DM, Larson EB, White RF. Influenza vaccination in community elderly: a controlled trial of postcard reminders. J Am Geriatr Soc. 1987;35:755–60.
    PubMed CAS Google Scholar
  13. Barton MB, Schoenbaum SC. Improving influenza vaccination performance in an HMO setting: the use of computer-generated reminders and peer comparison feedback. Am J Public Health. 1990;80:534–6.
    Article PubMed CAS Google Scholar
  14. Mullooly JP. Increasing influenza vaccination among high-risk elderly: a randomized controlled trial of a mail cue in an HMO setting. Am J Public Health. 1987;77:626–7.
    PubMed CAS Google Scholar
  15. Buffington J, Bell KM, LaForce FM, and the Genesee Hospital Medical Staff. A target-based model for increasing influenza immunizations in private practice. J Gen Intern Med. 1991;6:204–9.
    Article PubMed CAS Google Scholar
  16. Barnas GP, McKinney WP. Postcard reminders and influenza vaccination. J Am Geriatr Soc. 1989;37:195.
    PubMed CAS Google Scholar
  17. Carter WB, Beach LR, Inui TS, Kirscht JP, Prodzinski JC. Developing and testing a decision model for predicting influenza vaccination compliance. Health Serv Res. 1986;20:888–932.
    Google Scholar
  18. Gillick MR, Ditzion B. Influenza vaccination: are we doing better than we think? Arch Intern Med. 1991;151:1742–4.
    Article PubMed CAS Google Scholar

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Section on Internal Medicine and Gerontology, North Carolina Baptist Hospital, Medical Center Boulevard, 27157-1051, Winston-Salem, NC
    William P. Moran MD

Authors

  1. William P. Moran MD
    You can also search for this author inPubMed Google Scholar
  2. Karen Nelson MD
    You can also search for this author inPubMed Google Scholar
  3. James L. Wofford MD, MS
    You can also search for this author inPubMed Google Scholar
  4. Ramon Velez MD, MSc
    You can also search for this author inPubMed Google Scholar

Additional information

Received from the Bowman Gray School of Medicine of Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and the Dorchester House Multi-Service Center and Boston City Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts.

Supported in part by National Research Service Award, National Institute on Aging (5T32 AGOO182).

Rights and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Moran, W.P., Nelson, K., Wofford, J.L. et al. Computer-generated mailed reminders for influenza immunization.J Gen Intern Med 7, 535–537 (1992). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02599460

Download citation

Key words