Computer-generated reminders significantly improved follow-up rates and repeated blood pressure recording in patients with newly elevated diastolic blood pressure.
RCT
Does a computer-based reminder system improve follow-up in patients with newly identified elevated diastolic blood pressure and poor follow-up?
Automated computer-generated reminders significantly improve clinical follow-up and blood pressure recording in patients with newly identified elevated diastolic blood pressure.
An automated surveillance system utilizing a computer-based medical record system (COSTAR) was designed to improve the follow-up of patients with newly identified elevated diastolic blood pressure. A population of patients was selected where, in the 6-month period following the initial measurement of an elevated diastolic blood pressure, there were fewer than two visits during which blood pressure was recorded. In a randomized controlled clinical trial, this poor follow-up population was divided into two groups, with computer-generated reminders being automatically generated for only patients in the experimental group. Follow-up was significantly improved in the group receiving the reminders, both in terms of rate of follow-up attempted or achieved by the responsible physician and in the repeated recording of blood pressure. We conclude that a computer-based reminder system improves follow-up of newly discovered elevation in diastolic blood pressure.
Barnett et al. (Fri,) conducted a rct in Elevated diastolic blood pressure. Computer-generated reminders vs. No reminders was evaluated on Rate of follow-up attempted or achieved and repeated recording of blood pressure. Computer-generated reminders significantly improved follow-up rates and repeated blood pressure recording in patients with newly elevated diastolic blood pressure.