Enhanced Email Reminders for Health Maintenance
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial aims to determine if a special email reminder can increase the frequency of primary care service use. It targets patients who have missed important health check-ups and measures whether a personalized email boosts their engagement. Participants will receive either a regular email or a new, enhanced version (a behaviorally informed tickler email) that includes direct links to their health information. UCLA Health primary care patients with overdue health checks and an active MyChart account may be eligible. As an unphased trial, this study offers participants the chance to contribute to innovative strategies that could enhance healthcare engagement for many.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It seems unlikely that you would need to stop, as the study focuses on email notifications and patient engagement rather than medication use.
What prior data suggests that this email notification method is safe?
Research has shown that behaviorally informed emails, such as the enhanced tickler email in this trial, are safe. One study found that similar methods, like behaviorally informed letters, successfully increased health insurance enrollment without harming participants. Other studies suggest that automated reminders and alerts help patients adhere to their health plans, yielding positive outcomes with no known risks. These findings indicate that the enhanced tickler email is well-tolerated, as it merely involves sending emails to encourage better engagement with healthcare services. No reports of negative effects from receiving these types of emails have emerged.12345
Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about the enhanced email reminders for health maintenance because they use behavioral insights to improve patient engagement. Unlike standard reminder emails that simply inform patients of a new message in their portal, these enhanced emails are sent directly from the patient's primary care provider's office and emphasize the importance of upcoming medical exams. Additionally, they provide a direct link to the necessary information in the patient portal, making it easier for patients to access what they need. This tailored approach aims to increase the likelihood of patients following through with their health check-ups, potentially leading to better health outcomes.
What evidence suggests that this enhanced email notification is effective for increasing patient engagement with primary care?
This trial will compare the effectiveness of different email reminder strategies. Research has shown that communication strategies based on human behavior can increase patient involvement in healthcare. For instance, one study found that specific reminders helped patients participate more in their care. Another study demonstrated that letters designed with these strategies increased participation in health programs, such as signing up for insurance. This trial will test a behaviorally informed email, known as the "enhanced tickler," against the standard email reminder. The evidence suggests that specially crafted emails encouraging action could lead to more patients completing important health tasks. Overall, these behaviorally informed emails positively impact patient engagement with primary care.12678
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for adult patients at UCLA Health's primary care with overdue health maintenance measures and active MyChart status. It excludes those under 18, deceased, in hospice, who've opted out of electronic communication or have scheduled/completed all tests before the email notification.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Intervention
Participants receive either a standard or enhanced tickler email to encourage engagement with primary care
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for engagement with the MyChart patient portal and completion of health maintenance measures
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Behaviorally informed tickler email
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of California, Los Angeles
Lead Sponsor