Feasibility of a randomized controlled trial to evaluate Text Reminders for Immunization Compliance in Kids (TRICKs)

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Authors
Ahlers-Schmidt, Carolyn R.
Chesser, Amy K.
Nguyen, Tuan
Brannon, Jennifer
Hart, Traci A.
Williams, Katherine S.
Wittler, Robert R.
Advisors
Issue Date
2012-06-29
Type
Article
Keywords
Parent , Reminder , Immunization , Appointment , Timeliness
Research Projects
Organizational Units
Journal Issue
Citation
Ahlers-Schmidt, Carolyn R.; Chesser, Amy K. ; Nguyen, Tuan; Brannon, Jennifer; Hart, Traci A.; Williams, Katherine S. & Robert R., Wittler.2012.Feasibility of a randomized controlled trial to evaluate Text Reminders for Immunization Compliance in Kids (TRICKs).Vaccine, Available online 29 June 2012 .
Abstract

Objective: To pilot test the Text Reminders for Immunization Compliance in Kids (TRICKs) program to evaluate its feasibility and potential to increase immunization coverage. Design: Randomized controlled trial (RCT). Setting: Pediatric clinic. Participants: Parents of newborns being discharged from a local hospital who intended to seek child health care at the University-sponsored pediatric resident and faculty clinic. Intervention: Text message immunization reminders prior to immunization due dates. Main Outcome Measures: Receipt and timeliness of immunizations at 2, 4 and 6 months of age. Results: Participants (N = 90) were English (83%) or Spanish (17%) speaking. The majority were female (83%), on public insurance (59%), and had adequate health literacy (96%). Parents were married or a member of an unmarried couple (62%). Over 66% had a high school diploma or less. Greater numbers of intervention children received immunizations and were “on time” using per protocol analysis; though not statistically significance. Limitations include sample size, problematic text messaging software, and loss of phone service at 7 months for 40% of intervention parents. However, post-intervention interviews (N = 18) indicated strong support for TRICKs; 83% found the text message reminders very helpful and 17% somewhat helpful. Discussion: Pilot testing allowed us to assess processes, including recruitment, retention, and software, which will increase the success of an RCT. Software with built-in backup systems is needed for follow-up when mobile service is interrupted. However, in spite of limitations, immunization rates were higher in the text message reminder group, though not statistically significant. Parent support and interest was high. A fully powered RCT is needed with follow-up over the full 4-3-1-3-3-1 series. Based on our results, for 80% power where we expected 90% compliance in the intervention group and 80% in the control group we need 219 per group, plus increases to address drop out and loss of follow-up.

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Publisher
Elsevier
Journal
Book Title
Series
Vaccine;2012
PubMed ID
DOI
ISSN
0264-410X
1873-2518
EISSN