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Feasibility of a randomized controlled trial to evaluate Text Reminders for Immunization Compliance in Kids (TRICKs)

Carolyn R Ahlers-Schmidt1, Amy K Chesser, Tuan Nguyen

  • 1University of Kansas School of Medicine-Wichita, Department of Pediatrics, Wichita, KS 67214, United States. cschmidt3@kumc.edu

Vaccine
|July 4, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Text message reminders for childhood immunizations show promise in improving vaccination rates. The Text Reminders for Immunization Compliance in Kids (TRICKs) program demonstrated high parent satisfaction and increased on-time immunizations.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Health
  • Public Health Interventions
  • Health Communication

Background:

  • Childhood immunizations are crucial for public health.
  • Ensuring timely vaccination coverage remains a challenge.
  • Innovative strategies are needed to improve immunization compliance.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To pilot test the Text Reminders for Immunization Compliance in Kids (TRICKs) program.
  • To evaluate the feasibility and potential of text message reminders to increase immunization coverage.
  • To assess parent satisfaction with the TRICKs program.

Main Methods:

  • A randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted in a pediatric clinic.
  • Parents of newborns were enrolled.
  • The intervention group received text message reminders before immunization due dates.

Main Results:

  • While not statistically significant, higher immunization rates and timeliness were observed in the intervention group.
  • Post-intervention interviews revealed strong parent support, with 83% finding reminders very helpful.
  • Limitations included sample size and software issues, but parent interest was high.

Conclusions:

  • The TRICKs program is a feasible and well-supported intervention for improving immunization rates.
  • Improvements in text messaging software and study design are needed for future large-scale RCTs.
  • Further research with a fully powered RCT is recommended to confirm the effectiveness of text message reminders.
Abstract

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