Family Practice Advance Access originally published online on October 26, 2009
Family Practice 2009 26(6):466-471; doi:10.1093/fampra/cmp072
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The effect of reminder letters on the uptake of an e-learning programme on dementia: a randomized trial in general practice
a Research Unit and Department of General Practice, Institute of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, 1014 Copenhagen, Denmark
b Memory Disorders Research Unit, The Neuroscience Centre, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
c Danish Medical Association, Department of Education, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
d Institute and Research Unit for General Practice, University of Aarhus, 8000 Arhus, Denmark
Correspondence to Frans Boch Waldorff, Research Unit and Department of General Practice, Institute of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, 1014 Copenhagen, Denmark; E-mail: fransw{at}sund.ku.dk
Received 14 January 2009; Revised 24 September 2009; Accepted 29 September 2009.
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Abstract |
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Background and aims. The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether three reminder letters mailed to GPs after dissemination of a Dementia Guideline increased the GPs’ use of the corresponding e-learning programme (ELP).
Methods. Single-blinded randomized trial among all GPs in Copenhagen Municipality from 1 November 2006 to 1 May 2007.
Results. A total of 15 of 320 GPs (4.7%) had a web-based logon during the study period. The intervention group had a significantly increased frequency of web-based logons (P = 0.0192) equivalent to a hazard ratio of 8.0 (95% CI: 1.03–66.1; P = 0.047). NNT was calculated to 22.2. We could not detect any significant differences in any of the secondary outcomes.
Conclusions. Three reminder letters added to a nation-wide dissemination increased the probability for a GP logon in the ELP by a Factor 8. However, in total, only a small proportion used the ELP. Thus, further research is needed in order to consider future implementation strategies for Internet-based Continuous Medical Education activities among not primed GPs.
Keywords. Computer-assisted instruction, family practice, internet, dementia, implementation.
Waldorff FB, Siersma V, Nielsen B, Steenstrup AP and Bro F. The effect of reminder letters on the uptake of an e-learning programme on dementia: a randomized trial in general practice. Family Practice 2009; 26: 466–471.