Journal Club Summary
Methodology Score: 3.5/5
Usefulness Score: 3/5
Arora S, Burner E, Terp S, Nok Lam C, Nercisian A, Bhatt V, Menchine M.
Acad Emerg Med. 2015 Jan;22(1):31-7.
In this single-center, open label RCT of 374 patients, a per-protocol analysis demonstrated that text message appointment reminders improved post-ED follow-up compliance with an NNT of 9.5 (difference between groups=10.5%, 95%CI:0.3%-20.8%). Unfortunately, the study was underpowered for the primary outcome, lacked assessment of important confounders to follow-up compliance and feasibility at TOH would not be possible given our current appointment booking system.
By: Dr. Nicholas Costain
Epi lesson: Random sampling vs Randomization
While in epidemiology we frequently use the word “random”, there is sometimes confusion about its application. When a clinical population is randomly sampled, the goal is to ensure a representative sample. If you pre-select a sample of patients using inclusion and exclusion criteria and randomize these to a given intervention and control, you do not necessarily have a representative sample. Selection bias can still occur pre-randomization.
By: Dr. Lisa Calder
