Efficacy of Different Reminders to Reduce Missed Orthodontic Appointments

Authors

  • Faezeh Saadati Dept. of Periodontics, School of Dentistry, Shiraz University Of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
  • Faranak Razmjouei Postgraduate Student, Department of Pediatric Dentistry, School of Dentistry, Shiraz university of medical sciences, Shiraz, Iran
  • Kazem Dalaie Dept. of Orthodontics, School of Dentistry, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
  • Lida Pishbin Dept. of Pediatric Dentistry, Member of Kerman Dental and Oral Diseases Research Center, School of Dentistry, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
  • Morteza Oshagh Orthodontist, Private Practice, Tehran, Iran
Abstract:

Objectives: Since forgetfulness is the major cause of missed appointments, reminder systems can be used prior to appointments. The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of different reminders [e-mails, social networks, telephone, and short message service (SMS)] in order to reduce missed appointments by orthodontic patients. Methods: Of a total of 751 active orthodontic patients, 379 were assigned to the reminder group and 372 to the control group. The former group was randomly divided into four subgroups who received a reminder 2 days before their appointments either by telephone, e-mail, SMS, or a message on Facebook. Patients allocated to the control group received no reminder. The percentage of missed appointments and the demographic characteristics of patients in each group were analyzed with the chi-squared test. Results: The percentage of missed appointments was significantly higher in the control group (41.39%) than the reminder group (11.08%) (P<0.001). There was no difference in the attendance rate of patients among telephone, SMS, and e-mail groups. Missed appointments were insignificantly higher in patients whose parents had the highest educational level (P=0.8). In patients with low family income, the percentage of missed appointments was the lowest, but this difference was not statistically significant (P=0.5). Conclusion: The study results indicated that sending reminders is an effective strategy to reduce missed appointments. E-mails and social networks can be employed to send reminders easily and cost-effectively and prevent missed appointments.

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Journal title

volume 35  issue None

pages  187- 199

publication date 2017-09

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