USE OF AUTOMATED REMINDERS FOR TUBERCULIN SKIN-TEST RETURN

Introduction: This study assessed the impact of automated telephone re minders on tuberculin skin test returns. Methods: A total of 701 Engli sh-speaking and Spanish-speaking patients of a public health immunizat ion program were randomly assigned to an intervention or a control gro up. Those in the intervention group received an automated telephone re minder to return for the reading of their skin test. Results: Automate d telephone reminders significantly reduced return failures 53% (from 14% to 7%) when the scheduled interval between test administration and reading was three days, but had no impact for a two-day interval. Eff ectiveness of reminders did not differ significantly by patient age, g ender, or language (English versus Spanish). Conclusions: Results sugg est the value of automated reminder calls for intra-appointment interv als as short as three days.