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Open Access 01-12-2022 | Study protocol

Protocol for an automated, pragmatic, embedded, adaptive randomised controlled trial: behavioural economics-informed mobile phone-based reminder messages to improve clinic attendance in a Botswanan school-based vision screening programme

Authors: Luke N Allen, Bakgaki Ratshaa, David Macleod, Nigel Bolster, Matthew Burton, Min Kim, Andrew Bastawrous, Ari Ho-Foster, Hannah Chroston, Oathokwa Nkomazana

Published in: Trials | Issue 1/2022

Abstract

Background

Clinic non-attendance rates are high across the African continent. Emerging evidence suggests that phone-based reminder messages could make a small but important contribution to reducing non-attendance. We will use behavioural economics principles to develop an SMS and voice reminder message to improve attendance rates in a school-based eye screening programme in Botswana.

Methods

We will test a new theory-informed SMS and voice reminder message in a national school-based eye screening programme in Botswana. The control will be the standard SMS message used to remind parents/guardians to bring their child for ophthalmic assessment. All messages will be sent twice. The primary outcome is attendance for ophthalmic assessment. We will use an automated adaptive approach, starting with a 1:1 allocation ratio.

Discussion

As far as we are aware, only one other study has used behavioural economics to inform the development of reminder messages to be deployed in an African healthcare setting. Our study will use an adaptive trial design, embedded in a national screening programme. Our approach can be used to trial other forms of reminder message in the future.

Trial registration

ISRCTN 96528723. Registered on 5 January 2022.

Available only for authorised users

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Title: Protocol for an automated, pragmatic, embedded, adaptive randomised controlled trial: behavioural economics-informed mobile phone-based reminder messages to improve clinic attendance in a Botswanan school-based vision screening programme
Authors: Luke N Allen
Bakgaki Ratshaa
David Macleod
Nigel Bolster
Matthew Burton
Min Kim
Andrew Bastawrous
Ari Ho-Foster
Hannah Chroston
Oathokwa Nkomazana
Publication date: 01-12-2022
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: Trials / Issue 1/2022
Electronic ISSN: 1745-6215
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13063-022-06519-y

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Protocol for an automated, pragmatic, embedded, adaptive randomised controlled trial: behavioural economics-informed mobile phone-based reminder messages to improve clinic attendance in a Botswanan school-based vision screening programme

Abstract

Background

Methods

Discussion

Trial registration

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Discussion

Trial registration

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