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Table 1 Characteristics of response enhancing strategies

From: Feasibility and success rates of response enhancing strategies in a stepwise prevention program for cardiometabolic diseases in primary care

 

Stage

Strategy group(N)

Standard method group (N)

Practices involved

Procedure

Standard method

    

Invitation letter for online RS by post, after 2 weeks reminder letter + paper version RS by post. A short recap in English, Turkish and Arab in both letters.

1. Invitation and/or reminders by e-mail

Stage 1

328 (patients with known e-mail address)

124 (patients with known e-mail address)

2

Group a (N = 124): comparison group (standard method)Group b (N = 105): invitation by post and a reminder by e-mail; Group c (N = 117): invitation by e-mail and a reminder by post; Group d (N = 106): invitation and reminder by e-mail.

2. Translated RS form

Stage 1

4604

N/A

10

Translated versions of the RS form in English, Turkish and Arab were added to the reminder letter.

3. Extended information letter

Stage 1

337

337

1

Extension of the information letter emphasizing the importance of participating and uncovering CMD and risk factors.

4. Local media attention

Stage 1

381

232

2

Articles about the prevention program and the importance of participating were placed in local newspapers.

5. Reminder by SMS

Stage 1 + 2

73 (patients with known mobile number)

194

2

Four weeks after the paper invitation the GP sent SMS text reminders to patients with a known mobile number, inviting patients to fill in the RS and to make an appointment when this was advised.

6. Reminder by telephone

Stage 1 + 2

34 (random sample)

N/A

1

Practice assistant called the patients after 4 weeks to inform if the RS was filled in and to offer an appointment when the patients this was advised.

7. Pop-up reminder GP in computer system

Stage 1 + 2

341

340

2

A pop-up message would appear in the computer system of the GP if the patient file was opened. The GP could inform the patient about the RS during a regular consultation.

8. Information gathering at the general practice

Stage 1 + 2

545

N/A

2

The GP practice organized an information gathering to help patients fill in the RS and/or to offer additional measures at the general practice. Invitation through invitation letter with recap translated in English, Turkish and Arab.

9. Self-management toolkits

Stage 2

174 (patients with high score on RS)

N/A

6

We offered patients a free toolkit containing a blood pressure device and fingerstick for cholesterol and Hba1c. Patients received online tailored lifestyle advice and were advised to consult their GP if increased blood pressure and/or elevated serum levels were measured.

10. E-mail reminder increased risk patients

Stage 2

112 patients with high score on RS

127 patients with high score on RS

4

We sent patients a reminder by e-mail to contact their GP for an appointment.