Text or talk? study tests best way to get kids back to the doctor after a missed check-up

NCT ID NCT06686849

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jul 29, 2026 · Updated 3 times

Summary

This study looked at two ways to help families reschedule a missed well-child visit: sending up to three text messages, or having a community health worker reach out personally. Over 3,800 children who missed their appointment were randomly assigned to one of these approaches or to usual care (no special follow-up). The goal was to see which method leads to more completed check-ups and to understand the costs involved.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

What this could lead to
If successful, this could show which follow-up method (text or personal outreach) works best to get children back for important check-ups, helping health systems improve care.
What could go wrong
This is a completed study comparing existing approaches, not testing a new treatment. Results may not apply to other regions or populations.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Department of Family and Community Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine

    Winston-Salem, North Carolina, 27157, United States