scholarly journals Usability and Acceptability of a Text Message-Based Developmental Screening Tool for Young Children: Pilot Study (Preprint)

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pamela Ryden Johnson ◽  
Jessica Bushar ◽  
Margaret Dunkle ◽  
Sharon Leyden ◽  
Elizabeth T Jordan
Keyword(s):  
Focus Groups ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Screening Tool ◽  
Text Message ◽  
Text Messages ◽  
Developmental Screening ◽  
Screening Questions ◽  
Low Income Mothers ◽  
Developmental Screening Tool

BACKGROUND Only 30% of parents of children aged 9-35 months report that their child received a developmental screening in the previous year. Screening rates are even lower in low-income households, where the rates of developmental delays are typically higher than those in high-income households. Seeking to evaluate ways to increase developmental screening, Text4baby, a national perinatal texting program, created an interactive text message-based version of a validated developmental screening tool for parents. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to assess whether a text message-based developmental screening tool is usable and acceptable by low-income mothers. METHODS Low-income mothers of infants aged 8-10 months were recruited from the Women, Infants and Children Program clinics in Prince George’s County, MD. Once enrolled, participants used text messages to receive and respond to six developmental screening questions from the Parents’ Evaluation of Developmental Status: Developmental Milestones. After confirming their responses, participants received the results and feedback. Project staff conducted a follow-up phone survey and invited a subset of survey respondents to attend focus groups. A representative of the County’s Infants and Toddlers Program met with or called participants whose results indicated that their infants “may be behind.” RESULTS Eighty-one low-income mothers enrolled in the study, 93% of whom reported that their infants received Medicaid (75/81). In addition, 49% of the mothers were Hispanic/Latina (40/81) and 42% were African American (34/81). A total of 80% participated in follow-up surveys (65/81), and 14 mothers attended focus groups. All participants initiated the screening and responded to all six screening questions. Of the total, 79% immediately confirmed their responses (64/81), and 21% made one or more changes (17/81). Based on the final responses, 63% of participants received a text that the baby was “doing well” in all six developmental domains (51/81); furthermore, 37% received texts listing domains where their baby was “doing well” and one or more domains where their baby “may be behind” (30/81). All participants received a text with resources for follow-up. In a follow-up survey reaching 65 participants, all respondents said that they would like to answer screening questions again when their baby was older. All but one participant would recommend the tool to a friend and rated the experience of answering questions and receiving feedback by text as “very good” or “good.” CONCLUSIONS A mobile text version of a validated developmental screening tool was both usable and acceptable by low-income mothers, including those whose infants “may be behind.” Our results may inform further research on the use of the tool at older ages and options for a scalable, text-based developmental screening tool such as that in Text4baby.

scholarly journals Usability and Acceptability of a Text Message-Based Developmental Screening Tool for Young Children: Pilot Study

10.2196/10814 ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. e10814 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pamela Ryden Johnson ◽  
Jessica Bushar ◽  
Margaret Dunkle ◽  
Sharon Leyden ◽  
Elizabeth T Jordan
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Young Children ◽  
Screening Tool ◽  
Text Message ◽  
Developmental Screening ◽  
Developmental Screening Tool

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 Development and Pilot Testing of Text Messages to Reduce Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Intake in Rural Caregivers and Adolescents: A Mixed-Methods Study (Preprint)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maryam Yuhas ◽  
Kathleen Joyce Porter ◽  
Donna-Jean Brock ◽  
Annie Loyd ◽  
Brittany Alexandra McCormick ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Pilot Trial ◽  
Text Message ◽  
Text Messages ◽  
Utilization Rate ◽  
Rural Caregivers ◽  
Message Development ◽  
Caregiver Behaviors

BACKGROUND High consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) poses significant health concerns, particularly for rural adults and adolescents. Developing innovative strategies that target caregivers as the agents of change could be a promising way to improve both caregiver and adolescent health. Sending text messages through mobile phones has been cited as an effective way to improve behavioral outcomes, although little research has been conducted in rural areas, particularly focusing on SSB intake. OBJECTIVE Targeting rural caregivers, the objectives of this two phase study were to: 1) understand caregivers’ perceptions and language preferences for SSB-related text messages to inform and refine message development and delivery, and 2) evaluate the acceptability of text messages for SSB behavior change, and examine short-term effects on SSB behaviors. METHODS A convergent mixed-methods design was used to systematically develop and pilot test text messages with caregivers in Southwest Virginia. In phase one, five focus groups that included a card-sorting activity were conducted to explore advantages/disadvantages, language preferences (i.e., tone of voice, audience, phrase preferences), and perceived use of text messages. In phase two, caregivers participated in a 5-week text message pilot trial that included weekly educational and personalized strategy messages and SSB assessments at baseline and follow-up. Before the focus groups and after completing the pilot trial, caregivers also completed a pre-post survey that assessed SSB intake, SSB home availability, and caregiver SSB-related practices. Caregivers also completed individual follow-up telephone interviews following the pilot trial. RESULTS In phase one, caregivers (n=33) reported that text messages were convenient, accessible, and easy to read. Additionally, caregivers preferred messages with empathetic and authoritative tones of voice that provided useful strategies and stayed away from using absolute words (e.g., always, never). In the phase two pilot trial (n=30), 87% of caregivers completed baseline and 77% completed follow-up assessment suggesting a high utilization rate. Other ways caregivers reported benefiting from the text messages included sharing messages with family members, friends, and coworkers (80%), making mental notes (57%), and looking back at messages as reminders (50%). Caregivers reported significant improvements in home environment, parenting practices, and rulemaking around SSB (all P <0.05). Also, the frequency of SSB intake among caregivers and adolescents significantly decreased (P <0.01). CONCLUSIONS Spending time in the formative phases of text message development helped to understand the unique perspectives and language preferences of the target population. This study also found that delivering an intervention through text messages has the potential to improve caregiver behaviors and reduce SSB intake in rural caregivers and adolescents. Findings from this study were used to develop a larger bank of text messages, which will be used in a future study testing the effectiveness of a text message intervention targeting SSB-related caregiver behaviors.

scholarly journals Development and Pilot Testing of Text Messages to Help Reduce Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Intake Among Rural Caregivers and Adolescents: Mixed Methods Study

10.2196/14785 ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (7) ◽  
pp. e14785
Author(s):  
Maryam Yuhas ◽  
Kathleen J Porter ◽  
Donna-Jean P Brock ◽  
Annie Loyd ◽  
Brittany A McCormick ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Phase 1 ◽  
Pilot Trial ◽  
Text Message ◽  
Text Messages ◽  
Phase 2 ◽  
Rural Caregivers ◽  
Caregiver Behaviors

Background A high consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) poses significant health concerns, particularly for rural adults and adolescents. A manner in which the health of both caregivers and adolescents can be improved is by developing innovative strategies that target caregivers as the agents of change. Sending text messages through mobile phones has been cited as an effective way to improve behavioral outcomes, although little research has been conducted in rural areas, particularly focusing on SSB intake. Objective By targeting rural caregivers, this 2-phase study aimed to (1) understand caregivers’ perceptions and language preferences for SSB-related text messages to inform and refine message development and delivery and (2) evaluate the acceptability of text messages for SSB intake behavior change and examine short-term effects on SSB intake behavior. Methods A convergent mixed methods design was used to systematically develop and pilot-test text messages with caregivers in Southwest Virginia. In phase 1, 5 focus groups that included a card-sorting activity were conducted to explore advantages/disadvantages, language preferences (ie, tone of voice, audience, and phrase preferences), and perceived use of text messages. In phase 2, caregivers participated in a 5-week text message pilot trial that included weekly educational and personalized strategy messages and SSB intake assessments at baseline and follow-up. Before the focus groups and after completing the pilot trial, caregivers also completed a pre-post survey that assessed SSB intake, SSB home availability, and caregivers’ SSB-related practices. Caregivers also completed individual follow-up telephone interviews following the pilot trial. Results In phase 1, caregivers (N=33) reported that text messages were convenient, accessible, and easy to read. In addition, they preferred messages with empathetic and authoritative tones that provided useful strategies and stayed away from using absolute words (eg, always and never). In the phase 2 pilot trial (N=30), 87% of caregivers completed baseline and 77% completed follow-up assessment, suggesting a high utilization rate. Other ways in which caregivers reported benefiting from the text messages included sharing messages with family members and friends (80%), making mental notes (57%), and looking back at messages as reminders (50%). Caregivers reported significant improvements in home environment, parenting practices, and rulemaking around SSB (P=.003, P=.02, and P=.04, respectively). In addition, the frequency of SSB intake among caregivers and adolescents significantly decreased (P=.003 and P=.005, respectively). Conclusions Spending time in the formative phases of text message development helped understand the unique perspectives and language preferences of the target population. Furthermore, delivering an intervention through text messages has the potential to improve caregiver behaviors and reduce SSB intake among rural caregivers and adolescents. Findings from this study were used to develop a larger bank of text messages, which would be used in a future study, testing the effectiveness of a text message intervention targeting SSB intake–related caregiver behaviors.

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.

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).

scholarly journals How Acceptable Is A Wireless Pill Bottle That Monitors and Texts In Response To Missed Doses: Focus Groups With Young African American MSM Living With HIV

2017 ◽  
Vol 4 (suppl_1) ◽  
pp. S422-S422 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark Dworkin ◽  
Palak Panchal ◽  
Antonio Jimenez ◽  
Robert Garofalo ◽  
Jessica E Haberer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
African American ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Technology Acceptance ◽  
Text Message ◽  
Social Contact ◽  
Case Manager ◽  
Text Messages ◽  
Pill Bottle ◽  
African American Msm ◽  
Living With Hiv

Abstract Background African American MSM (AAMSM) living with HIV are less likely to have viral suppression than other racial groups. Wisepill, a wireless pill bottle, transmits a cellular signal to a server when opened and is designed to measure antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence. The objective of this study was to explore the acceptability of a proposed intervention in these young AAMSM using the Wisepill device opening data to trigger a real-time text alert that ART may not have been taken during a planned time to either the user, a trusted social contact, or a healthcare worker, depending on the duration of consecutively missed doses (1 dose, 3 doses, 7 doses, respectively). Methods From December 2016 – May 2017, AAMSM living with HIV age 18–34 years (N = 25) participated in a study that included five focus groups (n = 23) and one on one interviews (n = 2). We performed theory-based discussion grounded in the Technology Acceptance Model. Specifically, we explored usefulness, convenience, concerns, and intention to use. Results Fifty-two percent missed at least one dose in the 4 days prior to the focus group meeting. Almost all participants (94%) favored the idea of a wireless pill bottle monitor and linked text message notification that ART may have been missed. The device was considered convenient for use at home or in a backpack, but too large for a pocket. Stigma and privacy were common concerns. For example, participants did not want to carry the device with them if the pills would “sound like a walking pharmacy” and did not want a text message that said, “You missed your HIV meds.” They preferred text message notifications that ranged from emoji icons to cryptic short texts and wanted to receive an email as a backup plan. Most believed that the device appearance would not gain unwanted attention. Thirty percent of the participants identified a partner as a social contact to whom the 3-day missed dose reminders would be sent whereas others designated their mother, aunt, brother, friend, pastor, and case-manager. Conclusion An adherence intervention using a wireless pill bottle monitoring device linked to text notifications was acceptable to most of the young AAMSM in this study. Acceptability may be enhanced by personalization of the responsive text messages and a backup email option. Disclosures J. E. Haberer, Merck: Consultant, Consulting fee; Natera: Shareholder, Stock ownership

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.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document