Memory AIDS in practice.

Checklists and other memory joggers are particularly useful to busy people, which certainly describes the average Canadian family physician. As part of an organized record system, they serve a useful function during the office visit. In addition, a variety of techniques can be employed to remind patients to make return visits for a range of medically valid reasons.The techniques for dealing with both these groups vary from the use of plain cards to the use of sophisticated computer technology. The choice of any of these alternatives depend on the specific needs of each practice and the initiative of the physician and office staff.