Improving geriatric preventive care through a patient-held checklist
Dietrich, A.J.; Duhamel, M.
Family Medicine 21(3): 195-198
1989
ISSN/ISBN: 0742-3225 PMID: 2744287 Document Number: 344336
Providing preventive services to patients is a priority for most family physicians. In this study, a three-item preventive checklist reminded patients 65 years of age and older to obtain an annual blood pressure check, influenza immunization, and cancer checkup. Over a one-year period, patients who received the checklist (n = 59) obtained 46% of indicated cancer detection services, while those who did not (n = 55) obtained 30%. Both groups had similar rates of obtaining blood pressure measurement (over 90%) and influenza immunization (over 45%). Patients themselves may be an underutilized resource for improving preventive care.