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Computerized reminders to encourage cervical screening in family practice.
I McDowell1, C Newell, W Rosser
1Department of Epidemiology, University of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
The Journal of Family Practice
|April 1, 1989
Summary
Sending reminder letters significantly increased cervical screening rates in women aged 18-35. While physician reminders had a small impact, patient outreach via mail or phone proved more effective for timely screening.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Preventive Medicine
- Gynecologic Oncology
Background:
- Cervical cancer screening is crucial for early detection and prevention.
- Identifying effective strategies to increase screening compliance in family medicine settings is essential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the effectiveness of three interventions aimed at increasing cervical screening rates among women overdue for the test.
- To evaluate the impact of physician reminders, mailed letters, and telephone calls on screening compliance.
Main Methods:
- A randomized trial involving 1,587 women aged 18-35 overdue for cervical screening at a family medicine center.
- Interventions included physician-issued messages, mailed letters, and practice nurse telephone calls.
- A control group received no formal reminders.
Main Results:
- Mailed letters resulted in the highest screening compliance rate (25.9%).
- Telephone calls achieved a 20.0% compliance rate, while physician reminders showed a modest increase to 16.1%.
- The control group had a compliance rate of 13.7%.
Conclusions:
- Mailed letters are the most effective method for increasing cervical screening rates in this population.
- Telephone reminders are also effective, though less so than mailed letters.
- Physician reminders offer a low-cost opportunistic approach but should be combined with other methods for greater impact.