Respiratory syncytial virus prevention outreach project

The objective of the study is to determine whether early identification, outreach, and intervention would increase compliance with palivizumab prophylaxis for respiratory syncytial virus prevention for members of a Texas Medicaid managed care organization. The study cohort was selected from administrative claims data. The observational study period ran from October 1, 2006, to March 31, 2007. Letters, educational materials, and postcards were mailed and outbound telephone calls were placed to qualified members. In addition, letters were sent to primary care providers. Of the 1236 identified members, the 2,238 letters, educational materials, and reminder postcards mailed resulted in 1091 injections to 394 identified members. Only 10% of the 394 members completed their qualified doses as suggested by the guideline. Even with the most intensive outreach, compliance is not highly assured. We must explore other strategies to overcome barriers in this preventive medicine program.