Research Article
Continuous opportunistic and systematic screening for hypertension with computer help: analysis of non-responders.
Br Med J (Clin Res Ed) 1987; 294 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.294.6580.1130 (Published 02 May 1987) Cite this as: Br Med J (Clin Res Ed) 1987;294:1130- F Difford,
- J P Telling,
- K R Davies,
- J E Fornear,
- C A Reading
Abstract
For two years an office computer was used to identify patients to prompt for opportunistic screening and call for systematic screening. After the two years 92% of patients on the list had had blood pressure readings recorded within the previous five years, of which 34% resulted from special prompts and 22% from screening letters. Those who failed to respond to letters were sent questionnaires, and their records were compared with those of screened patients. With the help of a microcomputer it is practicable to sustain a continuous screening rate of between 90% and 95%.