This study was intended to test if reframing an offer for a free follow-up eye examination could increase uptake within ongoing community-based screening program for low-income and minority populations in Baltimore City. This study evaluated the effect of offering participants a physical voucher they were told was redeemable for free follow-up, relative to simply telling participants that the follow-up appointment would be free of charge. The investigators assessed two forms of vouchers, one with estimated value information, and one without. The underlying hypothesis was that reframing these already free offers would increase uptake by increasing perceived offer value and increasing a sense of regret from not taking advantage of a "good deal."
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
HEALTH_SERVICES_RESEARCH
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
739
Patients being referred for follow-up received standard materials, counseling, and reminders as in the 'no information' group and were provided with a physical voucher they were told is redeemable for free follow-up appointment at Johns Hopkins Hospital. The voucher included the patient's name, the screener's name, and an expiration date 90 days from the date of screening. These participants were told: "I am going to give you this voucher for a completely free appointment and a free pair of glasses if you need them. So, with this voucher, both the exam and the glasses will be completely free."
Patients being referred for follow-up received standard materials, counseling, and reminders as in the 'no information' group and were provided with a physical voucher they were told is redeemable for free follow-up appointment at Johns Hopkins Hospital, which would normally cost $250. The voucher included the patient's name, the screener's name, an expiration date 90 days from the date of screening, and a statement about the $250 voucher value. These participants were told: "I am going to give you this voucher for a completely free appointment and a free pair of glasses if you need them. These services normally cost about $250, but with this voucher, both the exam and the glasses will be completely free."
Johns Hopkins Hospital - Wilmer Eye Institute
Baltimore, Maryland, United States
Uptake of follow-up appointment
The primary endpoint was attending a follow-up appointment, either on the initially scheduled or on a rescheduled date within 90 days of the date of screening. Individuals who did not meet this endpoint either stated that they were not interested in follow-up at the screening event itself, cancelled or did not show for their appointments on 3 occasions, stated that they were not interested in follow-up when study staff attempted to reschedule, or did not show for an appointment and could not be reached for rescheduling after 3 attempts.
Time frame: Within 90 days of the date of screening
Uptake of initial appointment
Binary indicator for completion of the initially scheduled appointment.
Time frame: Within 90 days of the date of screening
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