CALL FAST, CALL 911 - A DIRECT MAIL CAMPAIGN TO REDUCE PATIENT DELAY IN ACUTE MYOCARDIAL-INFARCTION

Objectives. A 10-month direct mail campaign was implemented to increas e use of emergency medical services via 911 calls and to reduce prehos pital delay for individuals experiencing acute myocardial infarction s ymptoms. Methods. This prospective, randomized, controlled trial invol ved three intervention groups (receiving brochures with informational, emotional, or social messages) and a control group. Results. Interven tion effects were not observed except for individuals who had a histor y of acute myocardial infarction and who were discharged with a diagno sis of acute myocardial infarction; their 911 use was meaningfully hig her in each intervention group than in the control group. Conclusions. The mailings affected only the individuals at greatest risk.