Conclusions Interventions using physician reminders , using dedicated personnel to deliver screening , and provision of financial incentives were found to be effective in increasing CVD risk factors screening uptake
Background Cardiovascular disease ( CVD ) is the leading cause of death globally .
However , many individuals are unaware of their CVD risk factors .
The objective of this systematic review is to determine the effectiveness of existing intervention strategies to increase uptake of  CVD risk factors screening .
Improving attendance for cardiovascular risk assessment in Australian general practice: an RCT of a monetary incentive for patients
Background Preventive health care is an important part of general practice however uptake of activities by patients is variable . Monetary incentives for doctors have been used in the UK and Australia to improve rates of screening and immunisation . Few studies have focussed on incentives for patients to attend preventive health care examinations . Our objective was to investigate the use of a monetary incentive to increase patient attendance with their general practitioner for a cardiovascular risk assessment ( CVRA ) . Methods A pragmatic RCT was conducted in two Australian general practice s. Participating GPs underwent academic detailing for cardiovascular risk assessment .  301 patients aged 40–74 , who did not have cardiovascular disease , were independently r and omised to receive a letter inviting them to a no cost cardiovascular risk assessment with their GP , or the same letter plus an offer of a $ 25 shopping voucher if they attended . An audit of patient medical records was also undertaken and a patient question naire administered to a sub sample of participants . Our main outcome measure was attendance for cardiovascular risk assessment . Results In the RCT , 56/301(18.6 % ) patients attended for cardiovascular risk assessment , 29/182 ( 15.9 % ) in the control group and 27/119 ( 22.7 % ) in the intervention group . The estimated difference of 6.8 % ( 95 % CI : -2.5 % to 16.0 % ) was not statistically significant , P = 0.15 . The audit showed that GPs may underestimate patients ’ absolute cardiovascular risk and the question naire that mailed invitations from GPs for a CVRA may encourage patients to attend . Conclusions A small monetary incentive  does not improve attendance for cardiovascular risk assessment . Further research should be undertaken to determine if there are other incentives that may increase attendance for preventive activities in the general practice setting . Clinical trials registration
Conclusions Interventions using physician reminders , using dedicated personnel to deliver screening , and provision of financial incentives were found to be effective in increasing CVD risk factors screening uptake
Background Cardiovascular disease ( CVD ) is the leading cause of death globally .
However , many individuals are unaware of their CVD risk factors .
The objective of this systematic review is to determine the effectiveness of existing intervention strategies to increase uptake of  CVD risk factors screening .