Improving Rates of Post-Essure Hysterosalpingography in an Urban Population Using Electronic Tracking Reminders

Abstract

Study ObjectiveTo demonstrate the efficacy of electronic reminders for follow-up hysterosalpingography (HSG) after Essure hysteroscopic sterilization in an urban tertiary care hospital obstetrics and gynecology practice. DesignRetrospective cohort study (Canadian Task Force classification II-3). SettingObstetrics and gynecology practice at a university-affiliated urban tertiary care teaching hospital. PatientsTwo hundred and fifty patients who underwent Essure hysteroscopic sterilization between June 2011 and July 2014. InterventionImplementation of electronic reminders for the office staff. Measurements and Main ResultsTwo hundred and fifty of 259 patients (96.5%) underwent Essure hysteroscopic sterilization and successful placement of coils into bilateral Fallopian tubes. Among these 250 patients, 135 (54%) returned for HSG at 3 months post-Essure as advised at the time of procedure. The use of electronic reminders prompted another 45 patients (18%) to return for HSG, improving the total post-Essure follow-up rate to 72%. ConclusionElectronic reminders for the office staff of an urban tertiary care hospital's obstetrics and gynecology practice is an effective method for improving the rate of post-Essure HSG.