scholarly journals Preferences for the format of text messages containing results of online screening for sexually transmitted infections: a service evaluation

2018 ◽  
Vol 29 (10) ◽  
pp. 1014-1016
Author(s):  
Tom Nadarzynski ◽  
Clare Scholfield ◽  
Ynez Symonds ◽  
Cynthia Graham ◽  
Sally Kidsley
Keyword(s):  
Positive Result ◽  
Sexually Transmitted Infections ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Text Message ◽  
Service Evaluation ◽  
Text Messages ◽  
Sexually Transmitted ◽  
Multiple Texts ◽  
To Receive ◽  
Additional Sample

We conducted an online survey to examine the preferences for receiving a text message with results of a test for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) as part of online self-sampling service at Solent NHS Trust. Findings showed that if all tests were negative, participants would prefer to receive one text message. However, in the event of a positive result, a large majority (86%) would prefer to receive a separate text with the name of the STI for which the test was positive. Similarly, three-quarters (74%) of participants would prefer to receive multiple texts indicating which test was inconclusive and required an additional sample. The results of this survey support a change of practice to sending multiple text messages with the results of online self-sampling that include the names of STIs.

A Pilot Study of Mobile Telephone Message Interventions with Suicide Attempters in China

Crisis ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 31 (2) ◽  
pp. 109-112 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hui Chen ◽  
Brian L. Mishara ◽  
Xiao Xian Liu
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Effective Means ◽  
Text Message ◽  
Text Messages ◽  
Mobile Telephone ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Quick Method ◽  
Suicide Attempters ◽  
To Receive

Background: In China, where follow-up with hospitalized attempters is generally lacking, there is a great need for inexpensive and effective means of maintaining contact and decreasing recidivism. Aims: Our objective was to test whether mobile telephone message contacts after discharge would be feasible and acceptable to suicide attempters in China. Methods: Fifteen participants were recruited from suicide attempters seen in the Emergency Department in Wuhan, China, to participate in a pilot study to receive mobile telephone messages after discharge. All participants have access to a mobile telephone, and there is no charge for the user to receive text messages. Results: Most participants (12) considered the text message contacts an acceptable and useful form of help and would like to continue to receive them for a longer period of time. Conclusions: This suggests that, as a low-cost and quick method of intervention in areas where more intensive follow-up is not practical or available, telephone messages contacts are accessible, feasible, and acceptable to suicide attempters. We hope that this will inspire future research on regular and long-term message interventions to prevent recidivism in suicide attempters.

scholarly journals Does online sexually transmitted infection screening compromise care? A service evaluation comparing the management of chlamydial infection diagnosed online and in clinic

2021 ◽  
Vol 32 (6) ◽  
pp. 528-532
Author(s):  
Nur Gasmelsid ◽  
Benjamin CB Moran ◽  
Tom Nadarzynski ◽  
Rajul Patel ◽  
Elizabeth Foley
Keyword(s):  
United Kingdom ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Sexual Health ◽  
Sexually Transmitted Infections ◽  
Sexually Transmitted Infection ◽  
Chlamydial Infection ◽  
Service Evaluation ◽  
Transmitted Infection ◽  
Sexually Transmitted ◽  
The United Kingdom

Patient demand on sexual health services in the United Kingdom is so high that many services have introduced online screening to accommodate more patients. There are concerns that these services may not be accessible to all. This service evaluation was undertaken to determine whether online screening is accessible by those patients most at need by comparing the demographics and number of asymptomatic chlamydial infections detected online and in clinic. No difference was found in the age nor level of deprivation, demonstrating that online services are an accessible way to screen for sexually transmitted infections without overburdening established services.

scholarly journals Acceptability of remote prescribing and postal delivery services for contraceptive pills and treatment of uncomplicated Chlamydia trachomatis

2020 ◽  
pp. bmjsrh-2020-200687
Author(s):  
Tom Nadarzynski ◽  
Ynez Symonds ◽  
Robert Carroll ◽  
Jo Gibbs ◽  
Sally Kidsley ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Home Delivery ◽  
Transmitted Infection ◽  
Sexually Transmitted ◽  
Sti Testing ◽  
Contraceptive Pills ◽  
Remote Management ◽  
Delivery Services ◽  
The Cost ◽  
To Receive

ObjectivesThe digitalisation of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services offers valuable opportunities to deliver contraceptive pills and chlamydia treatment by post. We aimed to examine the acceptability of remote prescribing and ‘medication-by-post’ in SRH.Study designAn online survey assessing attitudes towards remote management was distributed in three UK SRH clinics and via an integrated sexually transmitted infection (STI) postal self-sampling service. Logistic regressions were performed to identify potential correlates.ResultsThere were 1281 participants (74% female and 49% <25 years old). Some 8% of participants reported having received medication via post and 83% were willing to receive chlamydia treatment and contraceptive pills by post. Lower acceptability was observed among participants who were: >45 years old (OR 0.43 (95% CI 0.23–0.81)), screened for STIs less than once annually (OR 0.63 (0.42–0.93)), concerned about confidentiality (OR 0.21 (0.90–0.50)), concerned about absence during delivery (OR 0.09 (0.02–0.32)) or unwilling to provide blood pressure readings (OR 0.22 (0.04–0.97)). Higher acceptability was observed among participants who reported: previously receiving medication by post (OR 4.63 (1.44–14.8)), preference for home delivery over clinic collection (OR 24.1 (11.1–51.9)), preference for home STI testing (OR 10.3 (6.16–17.4)), ability to communicate with health advisors (OR 4.01 (1.03–15.6)) and willingness to: register their real name (OR 3.09 (1.43–10.6)), complete online health questionnaires (OR 3.09 (1.43–10.6)) and use generic contraceptive pills (OR 2.88 (1.21–6.83)).ConclusionsPostal treatment and entering information online to allow remote prescribing were acceptable methods for SRH services and should be considered alongside medication collection in pharmacies. These methods could be particularly useful for patients facing barriers in accessing SRH. The cost-effectiveness and implementation of these novel methods of service delivery should be further investigated.

scholarly journals Mixed-methods evaluation of a novel online STI results service

2018 ◽  
Vol 94 (8) ◽  
pp. 622-624 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jo Gibbs ◽  
Catherine R H Aicken ◽  
Lorna J Sutcliffe ◽  
Voula Gkatzidou ◽  
Laura J Tickle ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Text Message ◽  
Service Evaluation ◽  
Mobile Telephone ◽  
Health Clinic ◽  
Chlamydia Screening ◽  
Test Results ◽  
And Control

ObjectivesEvidence on optimal methods for providing STI test results is lacking. We evaluated an online results service, developed as part of an eSexual Health Clinic (eSHC).MethodsWe evaluated the online results service using a mixed-methods approach within large exploratory studies of the eSHC. Participants were chlamydia- positive and negative users of online postal self-sampling services in six National Chlamydia Screening Programme (NCSP) areas and chlamydia-positive patients from two genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinics between 21 July 2014 and 13 March 2015. Participants received a discreetly worded National Health Service ’NHS no-reply’ text message (SMS) informing them that their test results were ready and providing a weblink to a secure website. Participants logged in with their date of birth and mobile telephone or clinic number. Chlamydia-positive patients were offered online management. All interactions with the eSHC system were automatically logged and their timing recorded. Post-treatment, a service evaluation survey (n=152) and qualitative interviews (n=36) were conducted by telephone. Chlamydia-negative patients were offered a short online survey (n=274). Data were integrated.Results92% (134/146) of NCSP chlamydia-positive patients, 82% (161/197) of GUM chlamydia-positive patients and 89% (1776/1997) of NCSP chlamydia-negative participants accessed test results within 7 days. 91% of chlamydia-positive patients were happy with the results service; 64% of those who had tested previously found the results service better or much better than previous experiences. 90% of chlamydia-negative survey participants agreed they would be happy to receive results this way in the future. Interviewees described accessing results with ease and appreciated the privacy and control the two-step process gave them.ConclusionA discreet SMS to alert users/patients that results are available, followed by provision of results via a secure website, was highly acceptable, irrespective of test result and testing history. The eSHC results service afforded users privacy and control over when they viewed results without compromising access.

scholarly journals COVID-19 Pandemic: Gender difference in satisfaction with a daily supportive text message program (Text4Hope) and preference for technology-based health supports during emergencies (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vincent Agyapong ◽  
Reham Shalaby ◽  
Wesley Vuong ◽  
Marianne Hrabok ◽  
April Gusnowski ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Text Message ◽  
Population Level ◽  
Text Messages ◽  
Mental Wellbeing ◽  
Service Satisfaction ◽  
Depression Symptoms ◽  
Psychological Resilience ◽  
Emergency Situations ◽  
Chi Square Analysis

BACKGROUND During the unprecedented time of the COVID-19 pandemic, the need to support mental wellbeing is urgent. In March 2020, Text4Hope was provided as a community health service to Alberta residents. This free service aims to promote psychological resilience and alleviate pandemic-associated stress, anxiety, and depression symptoms. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to evaluate Text4Hope subscribers’ experience, satisfaction, and perspectives related to technology-based support during crisis or emergency situations, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, by gender. METHODS Individuals self-subscribe to Text4Hope to receive daily supportive text messages for three months. Subscribers were invited to complete an online survey at six weeks to collect service satisfaction related information. Overall satisfaction was assessed on a scale from 0 to 10 using the one sample t-test and Likert scale satisfaction responses were used to assess various aspects of the Text4Hope program. Gender differences were measured by using One-Way ANOVA test and Chi-Square analysis. RESULTS Overall service satisfaction was high (8.55/10 (SD=1.78) and more than 70% of subscribers agreed that Text4Hope helped them to cope with stress and anxiety, feel connected to a support system, manage COVID-19 related issues, and improve mental wellbeing. Similarly, subscribers agreed that messages were positive, affirmative, and succinct. Messages were read by 97.9% of respondents always or often and more than 20% returned to messages always or often. The majority of subscribers (89.3%) read the messages and either reflected upon them or took a positive action. Subscribers welcomed almost all technology-based services as part of their health care during crisis or emergency situations (70%). Text4Hope was more effective among females, who reported higher satisfaction rates and improved coping after receiving text messages. CONCLUSIONS Text4Hope successfully captured subscribers’ satisfaction and acceptance, during COVID-19 pandemic. Respondents affirmed the high quality of the messages with their positive feedback. Technology-based services can provide remotely accessible, cost-effective, and population-level interventions that align with recommended distancing practices during pandemics. Text4Hope subscriber feedback revealed high satisfaction and acceptance rates after six weeks of receiving daily messages. CLINICALTRIAL The study protocol was approved by the Research and Ethics Board of the University of Alberta (Pro00086163). INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT RR2-10.2196/19292

scholarly journals Use of Short Messaging Service to Improve Follow-Up for Abnormal Pap Test Results in Minority and Medically Underserved Women in North Carolina: Questionnaire on Attitudes and Acceptability

10.2196/12675 ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. e12675 ◽  
Author(s):  
LaHoma Smith Romocki ◽  
Andrea Des Marais ◽  
Leslie Cofie ◽  
Chelsea Anderson ◽  
Theresa Curington ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cervical Cancer ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Text Messaging ◽  
Text Message ◽  
Pap Test ◽  
Text Messages ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Follow Up Care ◽  
To Receive

Background An estimated one in eight cervical cancer cases are due to a lack of follow-up care for abnormal Pap test results. Low rates of completion of follow-up care particularly affect low-income minority women. The burden of cervical cancer could be reduced through interventions that improve timely colposcopy follow-up and treatment of abnormal screening results. Mobile communications via text messaging present a low-cost opportunity to increase rates of clinic return among women referred to follow-up after obtaining abnormal screening results. Objective Our aims were to determine the acceptability and feasibility of using text messaging to increase completion of follow-up care following abnormal cervical cancer screening (Pap test) results and to examine factors that may affect the acceptability and use of text messaging to increase communications between health care providers (HCP) and low-income minority women. Methods The study participants were 15 low-income women who had undergone a Pap test within the preceding 12 months. Semistructured interviews, including open- and closed-ended questions from a validated questionnaire, were conducted by phone or in person. Responses to closed-ended survey items were tabulated, and descriptive statistics were generated using Microsoft Excel. Responses to the open-ended questions were coded and analyzed using NVivo 11 qualitative analysis software. Results Nearly all participants (14/15, 93%) were comfortable receiving a text message from an HCP stating that their Pap test results were available (<40 years: 100%; ≥40 years: 86%). Over half (8/15; 53%) of the participants were comfortable receiving a text message stating that their Pap test results were abnormal, although many preferred to receive such information via a phone call (6/15; 40%). Most participants (9/15; 60%) believed that receiving a text reminder would make them more likely to attend their appointment. The preferred method for receiving a reminder appeared to vary by age, with older women preferring telephone reminders over text messaging reminders. Analysis of open-ended questions suggested that text messaging appeals to some women due to its wide use and convenience for communicating with HCPs. However, women cited concerns about the confidentiality of messages and barriers to understanding the messages, including the physical capacity to read and accurately interpret the content of the messaging. Conclusions Most participants indicated a willingness to receive text messages from their HCPs about cervical cancer screening results and believed that text messages were the best way to remind them of appointments for follow-up care. Potential concerns could be addressed by excluding explicit references to the nature of the appointment in the text message in order to avoid disclosure of sensitive health information to unauthorized individuals. Although text messaging seems promising to improve adherence to timely follow-up, personal preferences should be considered by allowing patients to opt-out of text communications.

A content analysis of college students’ gaps in knowledge about sexually transmitted infections

2020 ◽  
pp. 001789692095909
Author(s):  
Alyssa M Lederer ◽  
Brittney S Sheena
Keyword(s):  
College Students ◽  
Content Analysis ◽  
Health Education ◽  
Sexually Transmitted Infections ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Academic Community ◽  
Health Consequences ◽  
Survey Question ◽  
Sexually Transmitted

Objective: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) disproportionately affect young people and can result in severe health consequences. Accurate knowledge about STIs can play an important role in STI prevention. Prior quantitative research has found that college students’ knowledge about STIs is insufficient. However, there is a dearth of information regarding their specific STI knowledge deficiencies. This study sought to fill this gap by using a qualitative approach to elucidate gaps in students’ STI knowledge. Design: Qualitative content analysis of responses to an open-ended online survey question. Setting: A large public Midwestern university in the USA. Method: Students ( N = 289) watched a web-based STI health education programme covering basic information about Chlamydia, gonorrhoea, human papillomavirus (HPV), herpes and syphilis as a course requirement. Afterwards they answered an open-ended question about what information, if any, was new to them. Themes and sub-themes were identified, exemplar quotes were selected for illustrative purposes, and frequencies were calculated. Results: Ten overarching themes were identified about what students learned: everything/a lot (19.7%), prevention (16.6%), treatment/cures (15.6%), prevalence/statistics (14.9%), nothing/not much (14.2%), symptomatology (12.8%), everything about a specific STI (9.7%), health consequences (6.6%), transmission (5.5%) and testing (2.4%). Participants reported learning about HPV most frequently compared to other STIs. Conclusion: Findings demonstrate critical gaps in college students’ STI knowledge and provide a deeper understanding of specific knowledge deficiencies. Study findings highlight important sexual health content that should be integrated into health education initiatives in academic, community and other settings, and provides recommendations on how to do so.

scholarly journals Offering an app to book cervical screening appointments: A service evaluation

2019 ◽  
Vol 27 (2) ◽  
pp. 85-89
Author(s):  
Mairead Ryan ◽  
Laura Marlow ◽  
Alice Forster ◽  
Josephine Ruwende ◽  
Jo Waller
Keyword(s):  
General Practice ◽  
Active Ingredient ◽  
Cervical Screening ◽  
Text Message ◽  
Service Evaluation ◽  
Text Messages ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Smartphone App ◽  
London Borough ◽  
Text Message Reminder

Objective To assess the feasibility of offering women who are overdue for cervical screening the use of a smartphone app to book their appointment. Methods Women who were at least six months overdue for cervical screening in three general practice surgeries in a deprived East London borough were identified from practice records. Staff sent batches of text messages informing women that they were overdue for screening, and inviting them to download an app to book their appointment. Results Across the three practices, 2632 eligible women were identified. Valid mobile phone numbers were available for 1465 women. One woman had opted out of receiving text messages, so messages were sent to 1464 women. Of these, 158 (11%) booked a screening appointment within five months. The majority of these women booked without using the app (72%; 113/158); just over a quarter booked via the app (28%; 45/158). Conclusions Just over 10% of cervical screening non-attenders booked an appointment in response to a text message with a link to a downloadable app; however, only one in four of these women booked using the app. This suggests that the text message reminder was likely to have been the key ‘active ingredient’ for most women, rather than the app itself. Future research could explore the optimal message for a text reminder in this context and evaluate the inclusion of a link to existing online booking systems.

scholarly journals Safetxt: a safer sex intervention delivered by mobile phone messaging on sexually transmitted infections (STI) among young people in the UK - protocol for a randomised controlled trial

BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. e031635
Author(s):  
Caroline Free ◽  
Ona L McCarthy ◽  
Melissa J Palmer ◽  
Rosemary Knight ◽  
Phil Edwards ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Young People ◽  
Condom Use ◽  
Partner Notification ◽  
Text Messages ◽  
Trial Registration ◽  
Sexually Transmitted ◽  
Sti Testing ◽  
Randomised Controlled ◽  
The Uk ◽  
To Receive

IntroductionYoung people aged 16 to 24 have the highest prevalence of genital chlamydia and gonorrhoea compared with other age groups and re-infection rates following treatment are high. Long-term adverse health effects include subfertility and ectopic pregnancy, particularly among those with repeated infections. We developed the safetxt intervention delivered by text message to reduce sexually transmitted infection (STI) by increasing partner notification, condom use and (STI) testing among young people in the UK.Methods and analysisA single-blind randomised trial to reliably establish the effect of the safetxt intervention on chlamydia and gonorrhoea infection at 1 year. We will recruit 6250 people aged 16 to 24 years who have recently been diagnosed with chlamydia, gonorrhoea or non-specific urethritis from health services in the UK. Participants will be allocated to receive the safetxt intervention (text messages designed to promote safer sexual health behaviours) or to receive the control text messages (monthly messages asking participants about changes in contact details) by an automated remote online randomisation system. The primary outcome will be the cumulative incidence of chlamydia and gonorrhoea infection at 1 year assessed by nucleic acid amplification tests. Secondary outcomes include partner notification, correct treatment of infection, condom use and STI testing prior to sex with new partners.Ethics and disseminationEthics approval was obtained from NHS Health Research Authority - London – Riverside Research Ethics Committee (REC reference: 15/LO/1665) and the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine. We will submit the results of the trial for publication in peer-reviewed journals.Trial registration numberInternational Standard Randomised Controlled Trials Number:ISRCTN64390461. Registered on 17thMarch 2016.WHO trial registration data setavailable at:http://apps.who.int/trialsearch/Trial2.aspx?TrialID=ISRCTN64390461.Trial protocol version12, 19thJuly 2018.

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