BACKGROUND Various strategies such as teaching self care to hemodialysis patients have been employed to increase the level of their hope. This study aimed at examining the effects of a telephone follow-up program on the level of hope in a self care education program. METHODS In this single-blind randomized controlled clinical trial, 75 hemodialysis patients, selected by convenient sampling, w...

BACKGROUND Telephone helplines are frequently and repeatedly used by individuals with chronic mental health problems and web interventions may be an effective tool for reducing depression in this population. AIM To evaluate the effectiveness of a 6 week, web-based cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) intervention with and without proactive weekly telephone tracking in the reduction of depression...

BACKGROUND Investigators often face challenges when recruiting participants into randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Some data suggest that telephone reminders may lead to greater participant enrollment. METHODS Patients aged 50 to 70 years from family practice rosters were initially mailed invitations to participate in an RCT of colorectal cancer screening. Patients who did not respond were...

BACKGROUND Smoking is an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD), and quitting is highly beneficial. Yet, less than 30% of CVD patients stop smoking. Relapse-prevention strategies seem most effective when initiated during the exacerbation of the disease. OBJECTIVE A nurse-delivered inpatient smoking cessation program based on the Transtheoretical Model with telephone follow-up ...

We examined the effect of telephone follow-up on surgical orthopedic patients' postdischarge recovery. The sample consisted of 438 patients randomly assigned to receive routine care with or without telephone follow-up 24 to 72 hours after discharge (intervention). During the intervention, the nurse caller assessed each patient's status, identified problems, and provided needed follow-up care. S...

BACKGROUND Attempted suicide is a major public health problem, and the efficacies of current postvention protocols vary. We evaluated the effectiveness of telephone follow-up of patients referred to an emergency psychiatric unit for attempted suicide on any further attempt/s over the following year. METHOD In a single-center, controlled study with intent to treat, we evaluated the efficacy of...

BACKGROUND Patient adherence to follow-up plays a key role in the medical surveillance of chronic diseases and affects the implementation of clinical research by influencing cost and validity. We previously reported a randomized controlled trial (RCT) on short message service (SMS) reminders, which significantly improved follow-up adherence in pediatric cataract treatment. METHODS RCTs publis...

INTRODUCTION Patients undergoing selective minor emergency and elective procedures are followed up by a nurse-led structured telephone review six weeks post-operatively in our hospital. Our study objectives were to review patients' satisfaction, assess cost-effectiveness and compare our practice with other surgical units in Northern Ireland (NI). PATIENTS AND METHODS Completed telephone follo...