Sir.—The excellent article by Williams et al1 validates previous findings that "baseline intervention," including an interactive reminder sticker, information pamphlet, and dispensing syringe, results in a high rate of compliance with medication taking. However, to assess follow-up appointment keeping, the home visit made on day 8 as part of "measurement strategy" must also be considered to be a part of the baseline intervention provided in their study. Does this visit change the likelihood of parents keeping a follow-up ear check appointment?
To answer this question, we performed a study from December 1982 to June 1983, among patients treated for otitis media with amoxicillin suspension between 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday, at the Hartford (Conn) Hospital Pediatric Ambulatory Care Center, who filled their prescriptions at the Hartford Hospital outpatient pharmacy. During the study period, we attempted to have a lay health care worker make an unannounced