Using behavioural insights to reduce non-urgent A&E attendance rates
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Medway A&E - targeted mailing intervention: A stepped wedge randomised controlled trial to investigate whether using behavioural insights can reduce A&E attendance rates in areas identified as having higher than average A&E use for minor ailments
IRAS ID
174817
Contact name
Jane Barrett
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Department of Health
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 7 months, 25 days
Research summary
The purpose of the study is to determine whether a letter and leaflet sent to households in Medway areas identified as having high A&E use for minor ailments can reduce overall A&E attendance rates in those areas.
This research has a stepped wedge design with two trial arms. Target neighbourhoods will be randomised into two groups (A and B). Group A households will receive a letter and leaflet at the start of the trial. Group B households will receive a letter and leaflet one month later. By the end of the intervention period, all households in the target area will have received a letter and leaflet informing them about local alternatives to A&E attendance.
The primary outcome measure will be the overall A&E attendance rates during the first month of the intervention, comparing Group A and Group B.
REC name
West Midlands - Coventry & Warwickshire Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/WM/0115
Date of REC Opinion
24 Mar 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion