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Related Experiment Videos

Effectiveness of computer-generated appointment reminders.

T G Quattlebaum1, P M Darden, J B Sperry

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston.

Pediatrics
|October 1, 1991
PubMed
Summary
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Mailed computer-generated appointment reminders significantly reduced pediatric no-show rates by 48%. This cost-effective strategy proved successful across various patient groups and appointment types in private practice settings.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Healthcare Management
  • Health Informatics
  • Patient Adherence Strategies

Background:

  • Previous appointment reminder studies focused on low socioeconomic groups in specific clinic settings.
  • This research addresses a gap by evaluating reminders in a typical private pediatric practice environment.
  • Understanding factors influencing appointment adherence is crucial for efficient healthcare delivery.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the effectiveness of mailed, computer-generated appointment reminders in reducing no-show rates.
  • To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of this reminder system in a general pediatric practice.
  • To determine if reminder effectiveness varies by socioeconomic status or appointment type.

Main Methods:

  • A 6-month randomized controlled trial involving 901 pediatric appointments scheduled more than 7 days in advance.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Appointments were assigned to either a reminder postcard group or a control group.
  • No-show rates were compared between the two groups.

    • Main Results:

    • The overall no-show rate decreased from 19% in the control group to 10% in the reminder group (48% reduction).
    • Reductions in no-shows were significant regardless of how far in advance appointments were scheduled.
    • The mailed postcards cost $0.20 each and demonstrated a high return on investment, estimated at $7.50 per $1 spent.

    Conclusions:

    • Mailed, computer-generated appointment reminders are a highly effective and cost-effective method for reducing pediatric no-show rates.
    • This intervention is likely beneficial for other practices with no-show rates exceeding 2-4%.
    • The strategy shows promise for improving clinic efficiency and patient access in diverse pediatric settings.