Cluster randomised controlled trial evaluation of a Link Worker-delivered intervention to improve uptake of diabetic retinopathy screening in a South Asian population.
Attendance at diabetic retinopathy screening in minority ethnic groups, including the South Asian population, is known to be poor. We describe a cluster randomised controlled trial conducted in 10 general practitioner (GP) surgeries in Coventry, UK, during 2007 which aimed to evaluate the use of a Link Worker-delivered intervention to improve attendance. The intervention consisted of a simple telephone reminder with the main outcome measure being attendance at diabetic retinopathy screening. We found a statistically significant difference between mean attendance proportions for intervention (0.89) and control (0.74) practices: difference (95% confidence interval (CI)) 0.15 (0.04-0.27), t = 3.03, p = 0.0162; this difference remained significant when adjusted for previous year's proportions. In this proof-of-concept study, in inner city Coventry, we demonstrated increased attendance at diabetic retinopathy screening by use of a simple Link Worker-implemented telephone call intervention. The use of Link Worker phone calls may be a useful tool to increase attendance for diabetic retinopathy screening in a group with high did-not-attend (DNA) rates and a high prevalence of diabetic retinopathy and visual impairment.
ST5 Ophthalmology, Royal Bournemouth and Christchurch Hospital, NHS Foundation Trust, Bournemouth, UK akoh199@hotmail.com.
Kate
K
Bush
Coventry and Warwickshire Retinal Screening, Retinal Screening Unit, Hospital of St Cross, Rugby, UK.
Ruth
R
Thomas
Division of Health Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK.
Neil T
NT
Raymond
Endocrinology and Diabetes, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwick, Coventry, UK.
Sailesh
S
Sankar
NHS Coventry, Coventry, UK.
Peter J
PJ
Barker
Division of Metabolic and Vascular Health, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK.
J Paul
JP
O'Hare
Diabetic retinopathy; Link Worker; South Asian ethnicity; cluster randomised controlled trial; screening