Telephone reminders improved compliance with a second dose of hepatitis B vaccine in high risk adults
Objective
To determine whether telephone contact and postal reminders will increase compliance with a required second dose of hepatitis B vaccine in high risk adults.
Design
Randomised controlled trial.
Setting
A sexually transmitted diseases clinic in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
Patients
256 self referred patients (mean age 26 y, 68% men) who were seronegative for hepatitis B virus chose to have the first of 2 doses of the vaccine. 136 adults did not return for their second dose of vaccine within 6 weeks and were enrolled in the study.
Intervention
67 participants were allocated to receive enhanced follow up that included attempted telephone contact at least 3 times over 2 weeks by the clinic receptionist and if unsuccessful, similar attempted contact by the public health nurse. If this was unsuccessful, an appointment reminder letter was sent 3 months after the first dose. 69 participants in …
