Pediatric emergency care
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Pediatric emergency care · Apr 1996
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical TrialA comparison of interventions to improve clinic follow-up compliance after a pediatric emergency department visit.
A randomized prospective study was made to compare two interventions to improve compliance with follow-up appointments (FA) after a pediatric emergency department (ED) visit. The study population was 253 patients and families seen during daytime hours at a large pediatric ED and who required follow-up for their diagnosed condition. A control group of patients were told to call the clinic for FA, an appointment group of patients were given a FA in the ED prior to discharge and written reminder, and an intense group of patients were given a FA in the ED prior to discharge, a written reminder; they were offered a work excuse, child care, and transportation assistance; they were sent mailed reminders and had attempts at telephone reminders. ⋯ If telephone contact is successful, telephone reminders also improve compliance. If follow-up is recommended, the majority of patients do not make their own appointments. A one-time intervention does not result in a long-term behavioral change in use of clinics or the ED.