The effect of reminder letters on the uptake of an e-learning programme on dementia: a randomized trial in general practice.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether three reminder letters mailed to GPs after dissemination of a Dementia Guideline increased the GPs' use of the corresponding e-learning programme (ELP).


METHODS
Single-blinded randomized trial among all GPs in Copenhagen Municipality from 1 November 2006 to 1 May 2007.


RESULTS
A total of 15 of 320 GPs (4.7%) had a web-based logon during the study period. The intervention group had a significantly increased frequency of web-based logons (P = 0.0192) equivalent to a hazard ratio of 8.0 (95% CI: 1.03-66.1; P = 0.047). NNT was calculated to 22.2. We could not detect any significant differences in any of the secondary outcomes.


CONCLUSIONS
Three reminder letters added to a nation-wide dissemination increased the probability for a GP logon in the ELP by a Factor 8. However, in total, only a small proportion used the ELP. Thus, further research is needed in order to consider future implementation strategies for Internet-based Continuous Medical Education activities among not primed GPs.
Waldorff
Frans Boch
FB
Research Unit and Department of General Practice, Institute of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, 1014 Copenhagen, Denmark. fransw@sund.ku.dk
Siersma
Volkert
V
Nielsen
Bente
B
Steenstrup
Annette Plesner
AP
Bro
Flemming
F
D003194:Computer-Assisted Instruction; D015709:Correspondence as Topic; D019992:Databases as Topic; D003704:Dementia; D003718:Denmark; D004502:Education, Medical, Continuing / Q000379:methods*; D005194:Family Practice; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017010:Reminder Systems; D016037:Single-Blind Method