scholarly journals Initial loss to follow up among tuberculosis patients: the role of Ward-Based Outreach Teams and short message service (SMS) technology (research proposal)

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Judith R. M. Mwansa-Kambafwile ◽  
Charles Chasela ◽  
Nazir Ismail ◽  
Colin Menezes
Keyword(s):  
Short Message Service ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Standard Of Care ◽  
Short Message ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Loss To Follow Up ◽  
Message Service ◽  
Sms Intervention ◽  
Competing Priorities

Abstract Introduction Tuberculosis (TB) is a problem in South Africa. Initial loss to follow up (LTFU) among TB patients is high varying between 14.9 and 18%. Some of the reasons for this are: lack of proper communication between patient and staff on next steps after testing, not aware that results are ready; and other competing priorities. Receiving reminder messages that result is ready is an intervention that can be explored to reduce initial LTFU. This can be through either receiving a note from the Ward-Based Outreach Teams (WBOTs) or via short message service (SMS) advising the patient to collect test result at the facility. This proposal aims to assess the effectiveness of WBOTs or SMS technology in reducing TB initial LTFU. Methods This will be a mixed methods approach. In depth interviews with WBOT Managers and TB Program Managers will be conducted. Focus group discussions with WBOT members will also be conducted. Two interventions (enhanced WBOTs/SMS technology) will be tested using a 3 arm randomized controlled trial (standard of care, SMS technology or enhanced WBOTs). The WBOTs will deliver paper note reminders while SMS intervention will entail sending reminder SMS messages to patients as soon as TB results are ready.

scholarly journals Utilizing perspectives from HIV-infected women, male partners and healthcare providers to design family planning SMS in Kenya: a qualitative study

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Karren Lewis ◽  
Elizabeth K. Harrington ◽  
Daniel Matemo ◽  
Alison L. Drake ◽  
Keshet Ronen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Family Planning ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Short Message ◽  
Male Partners ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Sensitive Topics ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
Message Service ◽  
Education Support

Abstract Background Short message service (SMS) presents an opportunity to expand the reach of care and improve reproductive health outcomes. SMS could increase family planning (FP) use through education, support and demand generation. The purpose of this analysis is to determine the perspectives of potential FP users to inform design of SMS. Methods We conducted focus group discussions (FGD) with HIV-infected women and in-depth interviews (IDI) with male partners and health care workers (HCW) at urban and rural clinics in Kenya to design SMS content for a randomized controlled trial. Results Women and men indicated SMS could be used as a tool to discuss FP with their partners, and help decrease misconceptions about FP. Women stated SMS could make them more comfortable discussing sensitive topics with HCWs compared to in-person discussions. However, some women expressed concerns about FP SMS particularly if they used FP covertly or feared partner disapproval of FP use. These findings were common among women who had not disclosed their status. Providers viewed SMS as an important tool for tracking patients and clinical triage in conjunction with routine clinical visits. Conclusion Our findings suggest that SMS has the potential to facilitate FP education, counselling, and interaction with HCWs around FP.

Short message service reduces dropout in childhood obesity treatment: A randomized controlled trial.

2012 ◽  
Vol 31 (6) ◽  
pp. 797-805 ◽  
Author(s):  
Judith de Niet ◽  
Reinier Timman ◽  
Stephanie Bauer ◽  
Erica van den Akker ◽  
Cora de Klerk ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Childhood Obesity ◽  
Short Message Service ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Obesity Treatment ◽  
Short Message ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Message Service

scholarly journals Effectiveness of Phone Reminders to Improve Adherence to Anti-Retroviral Therapy: A Meta-Analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (02) ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdullah Aliff Abdul Wahab ◽  
◽  
Rosnah Ismail ◽  
Halim Ismail ◽  
Nazarudin Safian ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Short Message Service ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Effective Means ◽  
Phone Call ◽  
Short Message ◽  
Cochrane Database ◽  
Message Service ◽  
Randomised Controlled ◽  
Difficult Issue

Introduction: Adherence to anti-retroviral therapy (ART) regimens remains a difficult issue. Thus, it was hoped that the use of phone reminders would improve adherence. Methodology: The Cochrane database was searched using selected keywords for this meta-analysis. We included randomised, controlled trials (RCTs) that utilised interventions with phone reminder and reported adherence outcomes, as the proportion of prescribed pills taken, the scores on an adherence questionnaire, or the follow-up rate. Two independent authors screened titles of article for inclusion, extracted the relevant data, and assessed articles for risk of bias. Results: Seven RCTs published between 2010 and 2017 were selected for inclusion in this review. The sample size ranged from 76 to 631 participants. Most RCTs used short message service (SMS) and phone call reminders as interventions. The rate of adherence was 1.17-fold greater among those who received phone reminders than those who did not, which was statistically significant (Z = 2.86, p = 0.004). Those who received phone reminders showed a 17% higher likelihood for adherence compared with those who did not receive any phone reminder interventions. Conclusion: Phone reminders remain significantly effective means for improving adherence.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document