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 .
A Randomized Trial of Computerized Reminders for Blood Pressure Screening in Primary Care
In a r and omized , controlled trial ( N = 8,298 ) the authors compared three ways of encouraging patients in a large family practice to obtain a blood pressure check . Working from computerized medical records at a teaching familymedicine center , the study included patients aged 18 years and over who had not had a blood pressure measurement during the previous year . In a normalcare control group , 21.1 % of those due for a blood pressure reading obtained one during the trial year . In one intervention group , a computer-generated message reminded the doctor to check the  blood pressure of patients who happened to visit the center for an appointment ; 30.7 % of patients allocated to this group were checked . In the second group , the nurse contacted patients by telephone and encouraged 24.1 % of those who were due for a check to obtain one . Sending a letter to patients in the third group yielded a 35.7 % compliance rate . Considering the costs of the three interventions , the physician reminder was the most cost effective , followed by the letter reminder . Although statistically significant , the impact of the reminders was modest . A better approach might involve a combination of routine reminders to the physician , followed by letters to noncompliant patients
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 .