The researchers contacted patients with upcoming flexible sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy through three different trials: a nurse’s phone call seven days before the procedure, IVR system call seven days before the procedure and IVR system call three days before the procedure. IVR and nurse calls included an appointment reminder, information about preparation and encouragement to prepare for and attend the scheduled examination.
Results showed no statistically significant differences across the three trials in appointment attendance or adherence to preparation. A greater number of patients contacted via IVR reported neutral perceptions about the phone calls, whereas more patients receiving nurse calls reported very positive perceptions about the phone calls.
Read the study about the interactive voice response system.
Read other coverage about endoscopy:
– Spiral Enteroscopy Only Moderately Effective in Detecting Small Bowel Pathology
– 4 Best Practices for GI/Endoscopy in Surgery Centers
– Harvard Experts Debate Benefits of Colorectal Cancer Screening Modalities
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