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.
Research Unit and Department of General Practice, Institute of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, 1014 Copenhagen, Denmark. fransw@sund.ku.dk
Frans Boch
FB
Waldorff
Volkert
V
Siersma
Bente
B
Nielsen
Annette Plesner
AP
Steenstrup
Flemming
F
Bro
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