NCT04426331

Vouchers to Increase Uptake of Already Free Eye Care

Providing Vouchers Redeemable for Already Free Eye Exams To Increase Uptake Among a Low-Income Minority Population: A Randomized Trial

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 739 (actual)
• Sponsor: Johns Hopkins University · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 50 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Accepted

Summary

This study was intended to test if reframing an offer for a free follow-up eye examination could increase uptake within ongoing community-based screening program for low-income and minority populations in Baltimore City. This study evaluated the effect of offering participants a physical voucher they were told was redeemable for free follow-up, relative to simply telling participants that the follow-up appointment would be free of charge. The investigators assessed two forms of vouchers, one with estimated value information, and one without. The underlying hypothesis was that reframing these already free offers would increase uptake by increasing perceived offer value and increasing a sense of regret from not taking advantage of a "good deal."

Conditions

• Glaucoma
• Eye Diseases

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
BEHAVIORAL	Voucher Without Value Information	Patients being referred for follow-up received standard materials, counseling, and reminders as in the 'no information' group and were provided with a physical voucher they were told is redeemable for free follow-up appointment at Johns Hopkins Hospital. The voucher included the patient's name, the screener's name, and an expiration date 90 days from the date of screening. These participants were told: "I am going to give you this voucher for a completely free appointment and a free pair of glasses if you need them. So, with this voucher, both the exam and the glasses will be completely free."
BEHAVIORAL	Voucher With Value Information	Patients being referred for follow-up received standard materials, counseling, and reminders as in the 'no information' group and were provided with a physical voucher they were told is redeemable for free follow-up appointment at Johns Hopkins Hospital, which would normally cost $250. The voucher included the patient's name, the screener's name, an expiration date 90 days from the date of screening, and a statement about the $250 voucher value. These participants were told: "I am going to give you this voucher for a completely free appointment and a free pair of glasses if you need them. These services normally cost about $250, but with this voucher, both the exam and the glasses will be completely free."

Timeline

• Start date: 2017-05-05
• Primary completion: 2019-01-01
• Completion: 2019-01-01
• First posted: 2020-06-11
• Last updated: 2020-06-16

Locations

1 site across 1 country: United States