Ring, Remind, Report

BACKGROUND: Patients prescribed psychoactive medications require routine laboratory monitoring to ensure safety and therapeutic effectiveness of pharmacotherapy. Inadequate monitoring of routine laboratory values increases the risk of adverse outcomes, emphasizing the importance of consistent attendance at scheduled laboratory appointments. PURPOSE: The purpose of this quality improvement project was to evaluate a nurse-driven telephone-based reminder protocol to improve laboratory appointment adherence among patients prescribed psychoactive medications requiring routine monitoring. METHODS: A 6-week intervention at a community clinic was led by nursing staff who performed standardized telephone-based reminders prior to scheduled laboratory appointments. Communication was used to promote appointment adherence, with outcomes measured through no-show rates and patient satisfaction. RESULTS: Implementation of the protocol reduced laboratory appointment no-show rates from 33% at baseline to 19% postintervention. Patient feedback was positive, with 83% of surveyed participants reporting satisfaction with the reminder process and improved clarity regarding their care. CONCLUSIONS: The nurse-driven Ring, Remind, Report protocol improved appointment adherence, enhanced medication safety monitoring, and supported more efficient clinic workflows. The results suggest that standardized reminder calls may be a sustainable strategy for improving adherence among patients prescribed psychoactive medications requiring routine laboratory monitoring.