Feasibility of a randomized controlled trial to evaluate Text Reminders for Immunization Compliance in Kids (TRICKs).

Objective: To pilot test the Text Reminders for Immunization Compliance in Kids (TRICKs) program to evaluate its feasibility and potential to increase immunization coverage.

Design: Randomized controlled trial (RCT).

Setting: Pediatric clinic.

Parent opinions about use of text messaging for immunization reminders.

Background: Adherence to childhood immunization schedules is a function of various factors. Given the increased use of technology as a strategy to increase immunization coverage, it is important to investigate how parents perceive different forms of communication, including traditional means and text-message reminders.

Objective: To examine current forms of communication about immunization information, parents' satisfaction levels with these communication modes, perceived barriers and benefits to using text messaging, and the ideal content of text messages for immunization reminders.

Preliminary benefits of information therapy.

Unlabelled: Information therapy (ie, information prescriptions) is a potential new tool for primary care physicians that could improve patient knowledge, decision making, and communication between physicians and patients. Although patients have access to numerous health-related articles online, the availability of this health information does not ensure improved knowledge or better health decisions by patients. Communication between patients and physicians is often limited and messages are commonly misunderstood.

An assessment of a pilot asthma education program for childcare workers in a high-prevalence county.

Objective: To assess changes in knowledge, attitudes, and intentions among childcare workers before and after an asthma-management-education session.

Methods: Between May and August 2004 five asthma-education sessions were provided for childcare workers from Sonoma County, California. A total of 71 childcare workers came to the sessions.