Using Automated Calls To Improve Compliance With Acute Coronary Syndrome Best Practice Guidelines

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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The purpose of this study is to determine whether interactive voice response (IVR) technology can be used to bring post discharge care for acute coronary syndrome (ACS) closer to best practice guidelines (BPGs). The study hypothesis is that ACS patients who are contacted by IVR technology will be more likely to receive care as recommended in the BPGs than those followed by usual care.

Detailed Description
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Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is a significant public-health problem in Canada and worldwide with 20,000 Canadians dying of myocardial infarction and 42,000 dying of coronary artery disease in 1999. Large clinical trials have provided evidence for the development of standardized best practice guidelines (BPG) and compliance with these guidelines have significantly improved survival. Despite the development and dissemination of BPG, their application in patients with ACS is suboptimal. This randomized control trial will use 2 groups: IVR and usual care. Patients in the IVR group will receive 5 automated calls at 1,3,6,9 and 12 months consisting of predetermined questions related to medication management, smoking cessation, diet, exercise and education as recommended by the ACC/AHA BPG for ACS. Responses are captured in a database allowing for interventions to maintain patients on BPG as needed.

Official Title
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Using Interactive Voice Response To Improve Disease Management and Compliance With Acute Coronary Syndrome Best Practice Guidelines

Conditions
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Acute Coronary Syndrome, Medication Adherence

Intervention / Treatment
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* Other: Using IVR to maintain ACS patients on best practice guidelines


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Patients discharged from the UOHI with ACS (acute myocardial infarction, STEMI or NSTEMI) Patients who have a land line telephone service at home Patients who speak English or French Exclusion Criteria: Patients discharged to a care facility or transferred to another health care institution

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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No

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Treatment
Allocation: Randomized


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: IVR group<br> | Other: Using IVR to maintain ACS patients on best practice guidelines<br> <br> |
| No Intervention: Usual care<br> | |

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Compliance with BPGs |  | 1 year | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Utilization of health care resources: emergency visits, unscheduled physician visits and hospitalization and patient satisfaction |  | 1 year | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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ACS, Interactive Voice Response Technology, Best Practice Guidelines, Health Care Utilization, Outcome Assessment