Journal article
Use of a Bidirectional Text Messaging System for Emergency Department Follow-Up Versus Usual Follow-Up
Telemedicine journal and e-health, Vol.26(6), pp.760-768
06/01/2020
DOI: 10.1089/tmj.2019.0002
PMID: 31549903
Abstract
Background:The use of text messaging is a growing trend. Usual care for follow-up with patients (no dedicated communication) has proven unreliable, and alternative communication methods may be beneficial.Introduction:The objective was to evaluate the effect of text messaging as a means of follow-up communication compared to usual care on patient satisfaction among patients discharged from the emergency department (ED).Materials and Methods:Participants completed a baseline survey about their text message usage and ED visit satisfaction. The participants completed a follow-up survey 2 weeks later. Participants randomized to text messaging received a text message at 24 h, 1 week, and 2 weeks after discharge. Control participants received usual care (typically no dedicated communication). Bivariate analyses were performed, and intent-to-treat and per protocol analyses were completed to examine follow-up satisfaction with ED communication/care.Results:A total of 802 subjects were recruited (text messaging-398 subjects, usual care-404 subjects). In the intent-to-treat analysis, text messaging subjects were not more likely to report satisfaction with follow-up communication (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.90 [0.46-1.75]) or follow-up care (aOR 0.66 [0.30-1.46]) than usual care subjects. In per-protocol analysis, text messaging subjects had 2.95 (1.52-5.73) higher odds of reporting satisfaction with follow-up communication and 3.24 (1.46-7.16) higher odds of reporting satisfaction with follow-up care.Discussion:The use of text messaging for follow-up, when comparing satisfaction with follow-up communication and follow-up care after discharge, performs at least equally as well as usual follow-up.Conclusions:Text messaging is a provider time-saving and resource-conserving technology allowing health care providers to potentially reach a larger proportion of patients, making it a valuable form of follow-up communication.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Use of a Bidirectional Text Messaging System for Emergency Department Follow-Up Versus Usual Follow-Up
- Creators
- Brooks J Obr - Department of Emergency Medicine, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USATracy Young - Department of Emergency Medicine, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA., Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Injury Prevention Research Center, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USAKarisa K Harland - Department of Emergency Medicine, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USAAndrew Nugent - Department of Emergency Medicine, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- Telemedicine journal and e-health, Vol.26(6), pp.760-768
- DOI
- 10.1089/tmj.2019.0002
- PMID
- 31549903
- NLM abbreviation
- Telemed J E Health
- ISSN
- 1530-5627
- eISSN
- 1556-3669
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 06/01/2020
- Academic Unit
- Occupational and Environmental Health; Epidemiology; Emergency Medicine; Injury Prevention Research Center; Law Faculty
- Record Identifier
- 9984066332402771
Metrics
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