Using Interactive Voice Response To Improve Disease Management and Compliance With Acute Coronary Syndrome Best Practice Guidelines

Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is a significant public-health problem in Canada and worldwide with 20,000 Canadians dying of myocardial infarction and 42,000 dying of coronary artery disease in 1999. Large clinical trials have provided evidence for the development of standardized best practice guidelines (BPG) and compliance with these guidelines have significantly improved survival. Despite the development and dissemination of BPG, their application in patients with ACS is suboptimal. This randomized control trial will use 2 groups: IVR and usual care. Patients in the IVR group will receive 5 automated calls at 1,3,6,9 and 12 months consisting of predetermined questions related to medication management, smoking cessation, diet, exercise and education as recommended by the ACC/AHA BPG for ACS. Responses are captured in a database allowing for interventions to maintain patients on BPG as needed.