scholarly journals Implementation of a Text Message to Improve Adherence to Clinic and Social Service Appointments

2019 ◽  
Vol 18 ◽  
pp. 232595821987016
Author(s):  
Nishal Anthony ◽  
Jennifer Molokwu ◽  
Ogechika Alozie ◽  
Diego Magallanes
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Text Messaging ◽  
Text Message ◽  
Text Messages ◽  
P Value ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Reminder System ◽  
Essential Components ◽  
Treatment Plans ◽  
Hiv Aids

Introduction: Attendance to clinic appointments and compliance with treatment plans are essential components of HIV/AIDS care. Compliance is especially important in young and minority individuals living with HIV/AIDS. We assessed the effectiveness of a text-based reminder system compared with usual care in improving the attendance to clinic and social work appointments at a Ryan White-funded clinic based in an academic institution. Methods: Convenience sample looking at 2 periods, 6 months before initiation of text messages and 6 months after initiation of text messages. Results: Following a 6-month postintervention period, we found a statistically significant reduction in our no-show rates (individuals failing to keep scheduled appointments) of 24.8% versus 17.7%, P value .05. Conclusion: Using an inexpensive online text messaging system, we were able to significantly decrease no-show rates in a primarily younger, low-income, and uninsured population.

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.

scholarly journals Feasibility and Perception of Using Text Messages as an Adjunct Therapy for Low-Income, Minority Mothers With Postpartum Depression

2015 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. e4 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew A Broom ◽  
Amy S Ladley ◽  
Elizabeth A Rhyne ◽  
Donna R Halloran
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
Postpartum Depression ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Text Messaging ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Text Message ◽  
Text Messages ◽  
Adjunct Therapy ◽  
Traditional Counseling

Background Postpartum depression (PPD) is the most common medical problem among new mothers that can have a negative impact on infant health. Traditional treatments are often difficult for low-income mothers to complete, particularly given the numerous barriers families face. Objective Among low-income, primarily racial, and ethnic minority mothers with postpartum depression, our aim was to evaluate (1) the feasibility of sending supportive text messages, and (2) the perception of receiving private, supportive text messages for postpartum depression. Methods Mothers found to be at risk for postpartum depression received supportive text messages four times weekly for 6 months in addition to receiving access to traditional counseling services based within an academic pediatric office. Feasibility was evaluated along with cellular and text messaging use, access, and perception of the message protocol. Perception of the message protocol was evaluated at study completion via a Likert scale questionnaire and open-ended qualitative survey. Results In total, 4158/4790 (86.81%) text messages were successfully delivered to 54 mothers over a 6-month period at a low cost (US $777.60). Among the 96 scripted messages, 37 unique messages (38.54%) allowed for a response. Of all sent messages that allowed for responses, 7.30% (118/1616) were responded to, and 66.1% of those responses requested a call back; 46% (25/54) of mothers responded at least once to a text message. Mothers felt that messages were easily received and read (25/28, 89%) and relevant to them personally (23/28, 82%). Most shared texts with others (21/28, 75%). Conclusions Text messaging is feasible, well-accepted, and may serve as a simple, inexpensive adjunct therapy well-suited to cross socioeconomic boundaries and provide private support for at-risk mothers suffering from postpartum depression.

scholarly journals Development and Preliminary Feasibility of iByte4Health: A Mobile Health (mHealth) Pediatric Obesity Prevention Intervention to Engage Parents with Low-Income of Children 2–9 Years

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (12) ◽  
pp. 4240
Author(s):  
Gina L. Tripicchio ◽  
Melissa Kay ◽  
Sharon Herring ◽  
Travis Cos ◽  
Carolyn Bresnahan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Obesity Prevention ◽  
Mobile Health ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Text Messaging ◽  
Vegetable Intake ◽  
Text Message ◽  
Text Messages ◽  
Prevention Intervention ◽  
Sugary Drinks ◽  
Increased Risk

This research describes the development and preliminary feasibility of iByte4Health, a mobile health (mHealth) obesity prevention intervention designed for parents with a low-income of children 2–9 years of age. Study 1 (n = 36) presents findings from formative work used to develop the program. Study 2 (n = 23) presents a 2-week proof-of-concept feasibility testing of iByte4Health, including participant acceptability, utilization, and engagement. Based on Study 1, iByte4Health was designed as a text-messaging program, targeting barriers and challenges identified by parents of young children for six key obesity prevention behaviors: (1) snacking; (2) physical activity; (3) sleep; (4) sugary drinks; (5) fruit and vegetable intake; and (6) healthy cooking at home. In Study 2, participants demonstrated high program retention (95.7% at follow-up) and acceptability (90.9% reported liking or loving the program). Users were engaged with the program; 87.0% responded to at least one self-monitoring text message; 90.9% found the videos and linked content to be helpful or extremely helpful; 86.4% found text messages helpful or extremely helpful. iByte4Health is a community-informed, evidenced-based program that holds promise for obesity prevention efforts, especially for those families at the increased risk of obesity and related disparities. Future work is warranted to test the efficacy of the program.

scholarly journals Testing behavioral interventions designed to improve on-time SNAP recertification

2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Leonard M. Lopoo ◽  
Colleen Heflin ◽  
Joseph Boskovski
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Text Messaging ◽  
Behavioral Interventions ◽  
Text Message ◽  
Text Messages ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Percentage Points ◽  
Hennepin County ◽  
Different Levels

We report results from a series of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) run between January 2019 and February 2020 testing behavioral interventions designed to increase the likelihood that SNAP recipients recertify on-time in Hennepin County, the most populous county in Minnesota. Given the different levels of governance and the abundance of qualifying rules and processes that low-income households must negotiate to obtain and retain SNAP food assistance benefits, many households may fail to recertify for SNAP. Administrative burden includes the difficulties created by having to learn deadlines and which forms constitute the proper paperwork necessary to recertify. In our main intervention, we test a three-armed study (n=23,756), comparing the efficacy of the Hennepin County SNAP recertification auto-dialer communication, a behaviorally-informed text message, and a third arm with both the Hennepin county autodialer and our text message, against a control group that did not receive any reminder at the beginning of the recertification month but did receive other standard written communications. Results from this trial show that the autodialer is not an effective reminder. However, the interventions with text messages are effective in improving recertification rates around five percent (p<0.01) over no additional message and around two percentage points (p<0.05) over the Hennepin County autodialer message currently being used. Text messaging appears to be particularly effective for SNAP recipients under the age of 60 with low to moderate levels of education.

Text Messaging as a Mental Health Treatment Intervention: A Corpus-Based Study

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Megan Partch ◽  
Cass Dykeman
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Treatment ◽  
Text Messaging ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Text Message ◽  
Treatment Session ◽  
Text Messages ◽  
Health Treatment ◽  
Emotional Tone

Mental health treatment providers seek high-impact and low-cost means of engaging clients in care. As such, text messaging is becoming more frequently utilized as a means of communication between provider and client. Research demonstrates that text message interventions increase treatment session attendance, decrease symptomology, and improve overall functioning. However, research is lacking related to the linguistic make up of provider communications. Text messages were collected from previously published articles related to the treatment of mental health disorders. A corpus of 39 mental health treatment text message interventions was composed totaling 286 words. Using Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count (LIWC) software, messages were analyzed for prevalence of terminology thought to enhance client engagement. Clout, demonstrating the writer’s confidence and expertise, and positive Emotional Tone were found to be at a high level within the corpus. Results demonstrated statistical significance for five linguistic variables. When compared with national blog norms derived from Twitter, Clout, Emotional Tone, and use of Biological terminology were found to be at higher rates than expected. Authenticity and Informal terminology were found at significantly lesser rates.

Nudge me: tailoring text messages for prescription adherence through N-of-1 interviews

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joy Waughtal ◽  
Phat Luong ◽  
Lisa Sandy ◽  
Catia Chavez ◽  
P Michael Ho ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Conditions ◽  
Text Messaging ◽  
Healthcare Delivery ◽  
Text Message ◽  
Text Messages ◽  
Multiple Chronic Conditions ◽  
Medication Refill ◽  
Interactive Text ◽  
Prompt Action ◽  
Negative Messages

Abstract Almost 50% of patients with cardiovascular diseases face challenges in taking medications and increased morbidity and mortality. Text messaging may impact medication refill behavior and can be delivered at scale to patients by texting mobile phones. To obtain feedback from persons with chronic conditions on the design of interactive text messages and determine language of message for making messages that can motivate patients to refill medications on time. We purposively sampled 35 English and Spanish speaking patients with at least one chronic condition from three large healthcare delivery systems to participate in N-of-1 video-based synchronous interviews. Research assistants shared ideas for theory-informed text messages with content intended to persuade patients to refill their medication. We transcribed recorded interviews and conducted a content analysis to identify strategies to employ generating a dynamic interactive text message library intended to increase medication refill. Those interviewed were of diverse age and race/ethnicity and typical of persons with multiple chronic conditions. Several participants emphasized that personally tailored and positively framed messages would be more persuasive than generic and/or negative messages. Some patients appreciated humor and messages that could evoke a sense of social support from their providers and rejected the use of emojis. Messages to remind patients to refill medications may facilitate improvements in adherence, which in turn can improve chronic care. Designing messages that are persuasive and can prompt action is feasible and should be considered given the ease with which such messages can be delivered automatically at scale.

Recovery Following Peer and Text Messaging Support after Discharge from Acute Psychiatric Care: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Trial (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Reham Shalaby ◽  
Marianne Hrabok ◽  
Pamela Spurvey ◽  
Rabab M. Abou El-Magd ◽  
Michelle Knox ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Peer Support ◽  
Text Messaging ◽  
Psychiatric Care ◽  
Text Message ◽  
Text Messages ◽  
Treatment As Usual ◽  
Usual Condition ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Acute Psychiatric Care

BACKGROUND Peer support (PS) is emotional, social, and practical help that is provided by non-professionals to assist others in sustaining health behaviours. PS is valued in recovery-oriented models of mental health and is becoming implemented increasingly at the organizational level. Text messaging is a relatively low cost, high impact, and easily scalable program that uses existing technology, is devoid of geographic barriers, and is easily accessible to end users. OBJECTIVE This study aims to evaluate the effect of an innovative peer support system plus supportive text messaging program on the recovery of discharged patients from acute psychiatric care. METHODS This is a prospective, rater-blinded, pilot randomized controlled trial, including 180 patients discharged from acute psychiatric care. Patients were randomized to one of four conditions: treatment as usual (follow-up care), daily supportive text messages, peer-support only, or peer-support plus daily supportive text messages. A standardized self-report measure of recovery (Recovery Assessment Scale; RAS) was completed at baseline, six weeks, three months, and six months. Descriptive analysis, One-Way ANOVA, and repeated measures MANCOVA were deployed to examine the changes in RAS among the study groups and over the follow-up time points. RESULTS Sixty-five patients completed assessments at each time-point. For the overall sample, higher scores were found for the peer-support plus text message condition compared to the text message only and treatment as usual condition on several scales (i.e., Willingness to ask for help and Personal Confidence and Hope) and total score on the RAS. CONCLUSIONS Peer support plus supportive text messaging results in improved recovery compared to other interventions. It is advisable to incorporate the two interventions as a part of routine practice for patients with psychiatric disorders upon their hospital discharge. CLINICALTRIAL The study received ethical approval from the Health Ethics Research Board of the University of Alberta (Ref # Pro00078427) and operational approval from the Alberta Health Services regional health authority. All patients provided written informed consent. The study was registered with clinicaltrials.gov (Trial registration number NCT03404882).

Children's Text Messaging and Traditional Literacy

2009 ◽  
pp. 492-504 ◽  
Author(s):  
Beverly Plester ◽  
Clare Wood ◽  
Samantha Bowyer
Keyword(s):  
Mobile Phone ◽  
Text Messaging ◽  
Reading Ability ◽  
School Achievement ◽  
Text Message ◽  
Text Messages ◽  
Standard English ◽  
Verbal Reasoning ◽  
Mobile Phone Use ◽  
Lack Of Knowledge

The authors present three investigations into pre-teen children’s text message language and measures of their standard literacy abilities. The children translated sentences, from standard English into text, and from text into standard English , and wrote text messages appropriate to a set of scenarios. They categorised text abbreviations used and calculated the proportion of abbreviations to total words. The children completed a questionnaire about their mobile phone use. Text messaging facility was positively associated with verbal reasoning, vocabulary, school achievement in English, and reading ability across the three studies. Texting provides opportunity for children to communicate in writing without the constraints of standard English, and we propose that the playful variants on words that they use in texting, and their ability to encode spoken slang graphically, show not a lack of knowledge of English, but a light hearted use of phonological and alphabetic decoding principles that also underpin standard English.

scholarly journals Text message content as a window into college student drinking: Development and initial validation of a dictionary of “alcohol-talk”

2019 ◽  
Vol 45 (1) ◽  
pp. 3-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michaeline Jensen ◽  
Andrea M. Hussong
Keyword(s):  
College Students ◽  
Text Messaging ◽  
Text Message ◽  
Text Messages ◽  
Message Content ◽  
Digital Platforms ◽  
Student Drinking ◽  
Related Risk ◽  
Prevention Studies ◽  
High Risk Drinking

The ubiquity of digital communication within the high-risk drinking environment of college students raises exciting new directions for prevention research. However, we are lacking relevant constructs and tools to analyze digital platforms that serve to facilitate, discuss, and rehash alcohol use. In the current study, we introduce the construct of alcohol-talk (or the extent to which college students use alcohol-related words in text messaging exchanges) as well as introduce and validate a novel tool for measuring this construct. We describe a closed-vocabulary, dictionary-based method for assessing alcohol-talk. Analyses of 569,172 text messages from 267 college students indicate that this method produces a reliable and valid measure that correlates as expected with self-reported alcohol and related risk constructs. We discuss the potential utility of this method for prevention studies.

scholarly journals The Effectiveness Of Using Text Messages Reminder On Adherence With Tuberculosis Patients: A Systematic Review

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 751-760
Author(s):  
Ardila Lailatul Barik ◽  
Retno Indarwati ◽  
Sulistiawati Sulistiawati
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Digital Technology ◽  
Text Messaging ◽  
Text Message ◽  
Text Messages ◽  
Randomized Control Trials ◽  
Inclusion Criteria ◽  
Tuberculosis Patients ◽  
Randomized Control ◽  
Text Message Reminder

Non-adherence is a factor that inhibits the completion of TB cases globally. Some studies suggest that the use of digital technology in the form of text message reminders can reduce the risk of non-adherence. The purpose of writing this article is to analyze the effectiveness of text message reminders on adherence to tuberculosis (TB) patients. The method in preparing this Systematic review is based on literature studies from various electronic databases, including Scopus, ScienceDirect, ProQuest, and Sage by conducting a comprehensive review using the PRISMA guidelines. The keywords used are "Text Messaging" AND "medication adherence" AND "tuberculosis". There are 11 original articles with 9 articles using the Randomized Control Trials (RCTs) research method and 2 articles using the Quasy-experimental method that fits the inclusion criteria. The use of text message reminder interventions is effective and can be used as an optional method of increasing adherence to TB patients. 

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