Feasibility of Telephone Follow-up Visits in Primary Care

This two arm randomized controlled trial will evaluate the effect of telephone follow-up versus standard in-person follow-up (usual care) on patient satisfaction among a sample of 360 primary care patients followed at the Gouverneur Ambulatory Care Practice. All primary care patients will be considered eligible at the outset. Providers will determine patient's study eligibility at the baseline visit based on the ability to safely follow-up the patient's health issue over the telephone in subsequent visits. Eligible patients that are randomized to the telephone follow-up arm will have their next medical visit with their primary care provider via a telephone call. Eligible patients that are randomized to the usual care arm will have a standard in-person clinic visit with their primary care provider. In both study arms, the timing and frequency of follow-up appointments will be determined by the patient's primary care provider. Regardless of group assignment, outcomes will be assessed at the baseline and 6-month study visit.

Inclusion criteria

• Have a follow-up issue that can be addressed over the phone (as determined by their provider);
• 18 years of age or older;
• Have a working telephone number; and
• Are English, Spanish, Cantonese or Mandarin-speaking.

Exclusion criteria

• Patient refusal or are unable to provide informed consent;
• Currently participate in another clinical trial;
• Have significant psychiatric comorbidity or cognitive impairment that would compromise their ability to participate (as determined by their provider); or
• Plan to discontinue care at the Gouverneur Ambulatory Care Practice within the next 6 months