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Reducing medical service utilization by encouraging vaccines: randomized controlled trial
Gregory D Berg1, Eileen Thomas, Steven Silverstein
1McKesson Corporation, Broomfield, Colorado 80021, USA. Greg.Berg@McKesson.com
American Journal of Preventive Medicine
|October 19, 2004
Summary
Direct mail campaigns effectively increased influenza vaccination rates among health plan members. This intervention proved cost-effective, reducing hospitalizations and emergency department visits for influenza and pneumonia.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Health Services Research
- Preventive Medicine
Background:
- Influenza vaccination is linked to reduced hospitalizations and mortality.
- Preventive health measures are crucial for managing seasonal diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of direct mail marketing on influenza and pneumococcal vaccination rates.
- To assess the effect of increased vaccination on healthcare utilization.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial involving over 339,000 health plan members.
- Intervention included direct mailings encouraging influenza and pneumococcal vaccinations.
- Outcomes measured via administrative claims for inpatient admissions and emergency department visits.
Main Results:
- The intervention group showed higher vaccination rates for influenza and pneumonia.
- A significant reduction in emergency department visits for influenza/pneumonia was observed (22.64%).
- The benefit-cost ratio was estimated at $2.21 per dollar spent, indicating cost-effectiveness.
Conclusions:
- Health plan mailings can effectively increase vaccination rates.
- Direct communication strategies can influence member health behaviors.
- Interventions are cost-effective in managing medical service utilization and vaccination rates.