Public health in managed care: a randomized controlled trial of the effectiveness of postcard reminders.
OBJECTIVE
This study evaluated the effectiveness of an annual public health intervention in a managed care setting.


METHODS
Managed care organization members 65 years and older who received influenza immunization in 1996 were randomized to an intervention group (mailed a postcard reminder to receive an influenza vaccination in 1997) or a control group (no postcard). Vaccination rates for both groups were assessed monthly.


RESULTS
Members receiving the intervention were no more likely to be immunized (78.6%) than members of the control group (77.2%, P = .222). Members were vaccinated at the same pace regardless of vaccination history and postcard intervention status.


CONCLUSIONS
Postcard reminders were not an effective intervention among seniors who had been vaccinated the previous year.
Clayton
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AE
Kaiser Permanente Northeast Division, Quality Management Department, Latham, NY 12110, USA. allison.clayton@kp.org
McNutt
L A
LA
Homestead
H L
HL
Hartman
T W
TW
Senecal
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S
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006299:Health Services for the Aged / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D017589:Immunization Programs / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D007251:Influenza, Human / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008297:Male; D008329:Managed Care Programs; D009511:New England; D017010:Reminder Systems; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric