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Zapata LB, Tregear SJ, Tiller M, Pazol K, Mautone-Smith N, Gavin LE. Impact of Reminder Systems in Clinical Settings to Improve Family Planning Outcomes: A Systematic Review. Am J Prev Med 2015; 49:S57-64. [PMID: 26190847 PMCID: PMC4523063 DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2015.03.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2015] [Revised: 03/23/2015] [Accepted: 03/23/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT This systematic review evaluated the evidence on the impact of family planning reminder systems-interventions intended to remind patients of behaviors to achieve reproductive health goals (e.g., daily text messages reminding oral contraceptive [OC] users to take a pill)-to provide information to guide national recommendations on quality family planning services. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION Multiple databases including PubMed were searched during 2010-2011 for peer-reviewed articles published in English from January 1985 through February 2011 describing studies evaluating reminder systems to improve family planning outcomes. Studies were excluded if they focused primarily on HIV or sexually transmitted infection prevention, focused solely on men, or were conducted outside the U.S., Europe, Australia, or New Zealand. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS The initial search identified 16,129 articles, five of which met the inclusion criteria. Three studies examined the impact of OC reminder systems; two found a statistically significant positive impact on correct use. Two studies examined the impact of reminder systems among depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) users; one found a statistically significant positive impact on correct use. CONCLUSIONS Although mixed support was found for the effectiveness of reminder system interventions on correct use of OCs and DMPA, the highest-quality evidence yielded null findings. The evidence base would be strengthened by the development of additional studies, especially RCTs, which objectively measure outcomes, examine additional contraceptive methods, and have sufficient sample sizes to detect behavioral outcomes at least 12 months post-intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Karen Pazol
- Division of Reproductive Health, CDC, Atlanta, Georgia
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202
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Simons D, Pearson N, Dittu A. Why are vulnerable children not brought to their dental appointments? Br Dent J 2015. [DOI: 10.1038/sj.bdj.2015.556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Leon N, Surender R, Bobrow K, Muller J, Farmer A. Improving treatment adherence for blood pressure lowering via mobile phone SMS-messages in South Africa: a qualitative evaluation of the SMS-text Adherence SuppoRt (StAR) trial. BMC FAMILY PRACTICE 2015; 16:80. [PMID: 26137844 PMCID: PMC4490665 DOI: 10.1186/s12875-015-0289-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2015] [Accepted: 05/29/2015] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Background Effective use of proven treatments for high blood pressure, a preventable health risk, is challenging for many patients. Prompts via mobile phone SMS-text messaging may improve adherence to clinic visits and treatment, though more research is needed on impact and patient perceptions of such support interventions, especially in low-resource settings. Method An individually-randomised controlled trial in a primary care clinic in Cape Town (2012–14), tested the effect of an adherence support intervention delivered via SMS-texts, on blood pressure control and adherence to medication, for hypertensive patients. (Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02019823). We report on a qualitative evaluation that explored the trial participants’ experiences and responses to the SMS-text messages, and identified barriers and facilitators to delivering adherence support via patients’ own mobile phones. Two focus groups and fifteen individual interviews were conducted. We used comparative and thematic analysis approaches to identify themes and triangulated our analysis amongst three researchers. Results Most participants were comfortable with the technology of using SMS-text messages. Messages were experienced as acceptable, relevant and useful to a broad range of participants. The SMS-content, the respectful tone and the delivery (timing of reminders and frequency) and the relational aspect of trial participation (feeling cared for) were all highly valued. A subgroup who benefitted the most, were those who had been struggling with adherence due to high levels of personal stress. The intervention appeared to coincide with their readiness for change, and provided practical and emotional support for improving adherence behaviour. Change may have been facilitated through increased acknowledgement of their health status and attitudinal change towards greater self-responsibility. Complex interaction of psycho-social stressors and health service problems were reported as broader challenges to adherence behaviours. Conclusion Adherence support for treatment of raised blood pressure, delivered via SMS-text message on the patient’s own phone, was found to be acceptable, relevant and helpful, even for those who already had their own reminder systems in place. Our findings begin to identify for whom and what core elements of the SMS-text message intervention appear to work best in a low-resource operational setting, issues that future research should explore in greater depth. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12875-015-0289-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Leon
- Health Systems Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, P.O. Box 19070, Fransie Van Zyl Drive, Tygerberg, Cape Town, 7505, South Africa.
| | - Rebecca Surender
- Department of Social Policy and Intervention, University of Oxford, 32 Wellington Square, Oxford, OX1 2ER, UK.
| | - Kirsty Bobrow
- Chronic Disease Initiative for Africa, Division of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town and Groote Schuur Hospital, Main Road, Observatory, Cape Town, 7925, South Africa. .,Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Gibson Building, OX2 6GG, Oxford, UK.
| | - Jocelyn Muller
- Health Systems Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, P.O. Box 19070, Fransie Van Zyl Drive, Tygerberg, Cape Town, 7505, South Africa.
| | - Andrew Farmer
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Gibson Building, OX2 6GG, Oxford, UK.
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Mistry N, Keepanasseril A, Wilczynski NL, Nieuwlaat R, Ravall M, Haynes RB. Technology-mediated interventions for enhancing medication adherence. J Am Med Inform Assoc 2015; 22:e177-93. [PMID: 25726568 PMCID: PMC7659214 DOI: 10.1093/jamia/ocu047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2014] [Revised: 12/05/2014] [Accepted: 12/14/2014] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite effective therapies for many conditions, patients find it difficult to adhere to prescribed treatments. Technology-mediated interventions (TMIs) are increasingly being used with the hope of improving adherence. OBJECTIVE To assess the effects of TMI, intended to enhance patient adherence to prescribed medications, on both medication adherence and clinical outcomes. METHODS A secondary in-depth analysis was conducted of the subset of studies that utilized technology in at least one component of the intervention from an updated Cochrane review on all interventions for enhancing medication adherence. We included studies that clearly described an information and communication technology or medical device as the sole or major component of the adherence intervention. RESULTS Thirty-eight studies were eligible for in-depth review. Only seven had a low risk of bias for study design features, primary adherence, and clinical outcomes. Eighteen studies used a TMI for education and/or counseling, 11 studies used a TMI for self-monitoring and/or feedback, and nine studies used electronic reminders. Studies used a variety of TMIs, with telephone the most common technology in use. Studies targeted a wide distribution of diseases and used a variety of adherence and clinical outcome measures. A minority targeted children and adolescents. Fourteen studies reported significant effects in both adherence and clinical outcome measures. CONCLUSIONS This review provides evidence for the inconsistent effectiveness of TMI for medication adherence and clinical outcomes. These results must be interpreted with caution due to a lack of high-quality studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niraj Mistry
- Pediatric Outcomes Research Team (PORT), Division of Paediatric Medicine, Hospital for Sick Children, Department of Pediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada Department of Pediatrics, St. Michael's Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Arun Keepanasseril
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology & Biostatistics, McMaster University, Hamilton Canada Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | | | - Robby Nieuwlaat
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology & Biostatistics, McMaster University, Hamilton Canada
| | - Manthan Ravall
- Health Information Research Unit, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - R Brian Haynes
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology & Biostatistics, McMaster University, Hamilton Canada Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
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McMullen MJ, Netland PA. Lead time for appointment and the no-show rate in an ophthalmology clinic. Clin Ophthalmol 2015; 9:513-6. [PMID: 25834388 PMCID: PMC4370946 DOI: 10.2147/opth.s82151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose The purpose of this study was to determine if there is a correlation between the time in advance an appointment is scheduled and the no-show rate. Methods This was a cross-sectional study conducted in an outpatient ophthalmology clinic. Appointment data were analyzed for 51,529 ophthalmology appointments in the computerized scheduling database during a 12-month period. Results The average no-show rate was 21.7% and 6.6% for resident- and faculty-clinic, respectively (P<0.001). The no-show rate increased, and the likelihood an appointment would be kept decreased as the time in advance an appointment was scheduled increased. With a lead time for appointment of 0–2 weeks, the average no-show rate was 9.1% and 2.4% for the resident- and faculty-clinic, respectively. With a lead time for appointment of 6 months, the average no-show rate increased to 38.3% (P<0.001) and 6.9% (P<0.001) for the resident-and faculty-clinic, respectively. A predicted no-show rate model showed approximately 2% reduction of the no-show rate for 10% increase of the proportion of patients scheduled within 2 weeks, potentially reducing the no-show rate by nearly 60% with all appointments scheduled 0–2 weeks in advance. Conclusion Clinic no-show rate increased as appointment lead time increased. Predictive models suggest that the implementation of a short-term appointment scheduling strategy may reduce the overall clinic no-show rate, particularly in clinic populations with a high no-show rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J McMullen
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Peter A Netland
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA
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Nasi G, Cucciniello M, Guerrazzi C. The performance of mHealth in cancer supportive care: a research agenda. J Med Internet Res 2015; 17:e9. [PMID: 25720295 PMCID: PMC4446659 DOI: 10.2196/jmir.3764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2014] [Accepted: 09/29/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Since the advent of smartphones, mHealth has risen to the attention of the health care system as something that could radically change the way health care has been viewed, managed, and delivered to date. This is particularly relevant for cancer, as one of the leading causes of death worldwide, and for cancer supportive care, since patients and caregivers have key roles in managing side effects. Given adequate knowledge, they are able to expect appropriate assessments and interventions. In this scenario, mHealth has great potential for linking patients, caregivers, and health care professionals; for enabling early detection and intervention; for lowering costs; and achieving better quality of life. Given its great potential, it is important to evaluate the performance of mHealth. This can be considered from several perspectives, of which organizational performance is particularly relevant, since mHealth may increase the productivity of health care providers and as a result even the productivity of health care systems. Objective This paper aims to review studies on the evaluation of the performance of mHealth, with particular focus on cancer care and cancer supportive care processes, concentrating on its contribution to organizational performance, as well as identifying some indications for a further research agenda. Methods We carried out a review of literature, aimed at identifying studies related to the performance of mHealth in general or focusing on cancer care and cancer supportive care. Results Our analysis revealed that studies are almost always based on a single dimension of performance. Any evaluations of the performance of mHealth are based on very different methods and measures, with a prevailing focus on issues linked to efficiency. This fails to consider the real contribution that mHealth can offer for improving the performance of health care providers, health care systems, and the quality of life in general. Conclusions Further research should start by stating and explaining what is meant by the evaluation of mHealth’s performance and then conduct more in-depth analysis in order to create shared frameworks to specifically identify the different dimensions of mHealth’s performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Greta Nasi
- Department of Policy Analysis and Public Management, Bocconi University, Milano, Italy.
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207
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Mbuagbaw L, Mursleen S, Lytvyn L, Smieja M, Dolovich L, Thabane L. Mobile phone text messaging interventions for HIV and other chronic diseases: an overview of systematic reviews and framework for evidence transfer. BMC Health Serv Res 2015; 15:33. [PMID: 25609559 PMCID: PMC4308847 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-014-0654-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2014] [Accepted: 12/11/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Strong international commitment and the widespread use of antiretroviral therapy have led to higher longevity for people living with human immune deficiency virus (HIV). Text messaging interventions have been shown to improve health outcomes in people living with HIV. The objectives of this overview were to: map the state of the evidence of text messaging interventions, identify knowledge gaps, and develop a framework for the transfer of evidence to other chronic diseases. METHODS We conducted a systematic review of systematic reviews on text messaging interventions to improve health or health related outcomes. We conducted a comprehensive search of PubMed, EMBASE (Exerpta Medica Database), CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature), PsycINFO, Web of Science (WoS) and the Cochrane Library on the 17th April 2014. Screening, data extraction and assessment of methodological quality were done in duplicate. Our findings were used to develop a conceptual framework for transfer. RESULTS Our search identified 135 potential systematic reviews of which nine were included, reporting on 37 source studies, conducted in 19 different countries. Seven of nine (77.7%) of these reviews were high quality. There was some evidence for text messaging as a tool to improve adherence to antiretroviral therapy. Text messages also improved attendance at appointments and behaviour change outcomes. The findings were inconclusive for self-management of illness, treatment of tuberculosis and communicating results of medical investigations. The geographical distribution of text messaging research was limited to specific regions of the world. Prominent knowledge gaps included the absence of data on long term outcomes, patient satisfaction, and economic evaluations. The included reviews also identified methodological limitations in many of the primary studies. CONCLUSIONS Global evidence supports the use of text messaging as a tool to improve adherence to medication and attendance at scheduled appointments. Given the similarities between HIV and other chronic diseases (long-term medications, life-long care, strong link to behaviour and the need for home-based support) evidence from HIV may be transferred to these diseases using our proposed framework by integration of HIV and chronic disease services or direct transfer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lawrence Mbuagbaw
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.
- Biostatistics Unit, Father Sean O'Sullivan Research Centre, St Joseph's Healthcare-Hamilton, Hamilton, ON, Canada.
- Centre for Development of Best Practices in Health, Yaoundé Central Hospital, Yaoundé, Cameroon.
| | - Sara Mursleen
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.
| | - Lyubov Lytvyn
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.
| | - Marek Smieja
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.
- St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, Hamilton, ON, Canada.
| | - Lisa Dolovich
- Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, McMaster Innovation Park, Hamilton, ON, Canada.
| | - Lehana Thabane
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.
- Biostatistics Unit, Father Sean O'Sullivan Research Centre, St Joseph's Healthcare-Hamilton, Hamilton, ON, Canada.
- Departments of Paediatrics and Anaesthesia, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.
- Centre for Evaluation of Medicine, St Joseph's Healthcare-Hamilton, Hamilton, ON, Canada.
- Population Health Research Institute, Hamilton Health Sciences, Hamilton, ON, Canada.
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Henriquez-Camacho C, Losa J, Miranda JJ, Cheyne NE. Addressing healthy aging populations in developing countries: unlocking the opportunity of eHealth and mHealth. Emerg Themes Epidemiol 2014; 11:136. [PMID: 25642276 PMCID: PMC4312594 DOI: 10.1186/s12982-014-0021-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2014] [Accepted: 12/04/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Aging societies worldwide propose a significant challenge to the model and organisation of the delivery of healthcare services. In developing countries, communicable and non-communicable diseases are affecting how the ageing population access healthcare; this could be due to varying reasons such as geographical barriers, limited financial support and poor literacy. New information and communication technology, such as eHealth have the potential to improve access to healthcare, information exchange and improving public and personalised medicine for elderly groups. In this article we will first frame the context of information and communication technologies in light of an aging landscape. We will also discuss the problems related to implementing the needed infrastructure for uptake of new technology, with particular emphasis on developing countries. In so doing, we highlight areas where newer technologies can serve as promising tools or vehicles to address health and healthcare-related gaps and needs of elderly people living in resource-constrained settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cesar Henriquez-Camacho
- Instituto de Medicina Tropical Alexander von Humboldt, Lima, Peru ; Infectious Diseases/Internal Medicine Unit. Hospital Universitario Fundacion Alcorcon, Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan Losa
- Infectious Diseases/Internal Medicine Unit. Hospital Universitario Fundacion Alcorcon, Madrid, Spain
| | - J Jaime Miranda
- CRONICAS Center of Excellence in Chronic Diseases, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru ; School of Medicine, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
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Kendall L, Eschler J, Lozano P, McClure JB, Vizer LM, Ralston JD, Pratt W. Engineering for reliability in at-home chronic disease management. AMIA ... ANNUAL SYMPOSIUM PROCEEDINGS. AMIA SYMPOSIUM 2014; 2014:777-786. [PMID: 25954384 PMCID: PMC4419963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Individuals with chronic conditions face challenges with maintaining lifelong adherence to self-management activities. Although reminders can help support the cognitive demands of managing daily and future health tasks, we understand little of how they fit into people's daily lives. Utilizing a maximum variation sampling method, we interviewed and compared the experiences of 20 older adults with diabetes and 19 mothers of children with asthma to understand reminder use for at-home chronic disease management. Based on our participants' experiences, we contend that many self-management failures should be viewed as systems failures, rather than individual failures and non-compliance. Furthermore, we identify key principles from reliability engineering that both explain current behavior and suggest strategies to improve patient reminder systems.
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210
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Rempel GR, Ballantyne RT, Magill-Evans J, Nicholas DB, Mackie AS. Texting teens in transition: the use of text messages in clinical intervention research. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2014; 2:e45. [PMID: 25379624 PMCID: PMC4260009 DOI: 10.2196/mhealth.3232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2014] [Revised: 04/24/2014] [Accepted: 09/13/2014] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The rapidly growing population of young adults living with congenital heart disease (CHD), currently challenging ill-prepared cardiac care systems, presents a novel population in which to consider the use of mHealth. This methodological study was part of a larger study that tested the effectiveness of a clinic-based nursing intervention to prepare teens for transfer from pediatric to adult cardiology care. The intervention included creation of a MyHealth Passport and subsequently SMS (short message service) text messages between the intervention nurse and study participant. OBJECTIVE Our aim was to determine (1) the preference of teens with CHD to be contacted via text message following the nursing intervention, (2) the effectiveness of texting to collect data regarding the use of MyHealth Passport after participation in the intervention, (3) the nature of the texting interaction, and (4) the risks and benefits of texting. METHODS Participants were recruited through the intervention study (n=24) by either choosing to receive information from the study coordinator through text message, or texting a question to the study nurses. Inclusion criteria were age 15-17 years, diagnosed with moderate or complex heart disease, and currently being followed by the Division of Cardiology at Stollery Children's Hospital. Exclusion criteria were heart transplantation and/or less than a 6th grade reading and comprehension ability. Text message transcripts were analyzed by qualitative inductive content analysis. RESULTS Two-thirds of teens (16/24, 67%) chose text messaging as their preferred contact, making them eligible for the study. Texting was effective in collecting information regarding the MyHealth Passport; all but one teen had their MyHealth Passport on them, and many reported carrying it with them wherever they went. All teens reported showing their MyHealth Passport to at least one person. Seven themes were identified in the texting transcripts: mixing formal and informal language, the passive teen, interaction with health care providers, texting teens in transition, texting as a mechanism to initiate other forms of communication, affirmation, and the nurse as an educator. Benefits of texting were identified as flexibility, ability to respond over time, information presented in byte-sized amounts, and information directly related to patient questions. Risks of texting were identified as the possibility that interactions may not be in-depth, distraction of teen and researcher, and invasiveness. CONCLUSIONS Text messaging was useful in collecting data regarding the use of the MyHealth Passport. Text messaging resulted in conversations with the teens that were sometimes in-depth and meaningful, especially when combined with other communication modalities. Using text messaging in a manner resulting in full conversations with the patients requires more study and may benefit from protocols and the use of solid theoretical foundations that would standardize the interaction so that more conclusions could be drawn.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gwen R Rempel
- Athabasca University, Faculty of Health Disciplines, Athabasca, AB, Canada.
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Cates JR, Ortiz RR, North S, Martin A, Smith R, Coyne-Beasley T. Partnering with middle school students to design text messages about HPV vaccination. Health Promot Pract 2014; 16:244-55. [PMID: 25258431 DOI: 10.1177/1524839914551365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination is routinely recommended for U.S. adolescents ages 11 to 12 years, yet vaccine coverage remains low. Text message HPV immunization reminders to parents have been effective with increasing uptake, but text messages directly to adolescents in order to increase HPV vaccination uptake are unknown. The purpose of this study was to examine the acceptability of text messages about HPV vaccination and message preferences among adolescents. Middle school students (n = 43) assisted in designing text messages to promote HPV vaccine among their peers. Through seven focus groups and two in-class surveys, we assessed students' knowledge of HPV vaccine, use of texting, and preferences for text messages and sources. The average age of participants was 13 years, and all were White (17 males, 26 females) in this rural setting. More than 70% used text messaging with a cell phone. The text message with the best composite score (M = 2.33, SD = 0.72) for likeability, trustworthiness, and motivation to seek more information was a gain frame emphasizing reduction in HPV infection if vaccinated against HPV. Text messages with lower scores emphasized threats of disease if not vaccinated. Participants (68%) preferred doctors as their information source. Text messaging to adolescents may be a strategy to improve HPV knowledge and vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joan R Cates
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | | | - Steve North
- Center for Rural Health Innovation, Bakersville, NC, USA
| | - Amanda Martin
- Center for Rural Health Innovation, Bakersville, NC, USA
| | | | - Tamera Coyne-Beasley
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA NC Child Health Research Network, Chapel Hill, NC, USA NC TraCS Institute, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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212
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Muench F. The Promises and Pitfalls of Digital Technology in Its Application to Alcohol Treatment. Alcohol Res 2014; 36:131-42. [PMID: 26259008 PMCID: PMC4432853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Individuals seeking to change their alcohol use form a heterogeneous group with varied treatment goals-including moderation and abstinence-that therefore requires flexible treatment options. The availability of alcohol in the United States, and the pervasive social pressure to drink, warrant treatments that support individuals outside the treatment environment and that foster coping and self-regulation in the face of these demands. Emerging digital technologies show promise for helping both to hone therapies to clients' individual needs and to support clients in settings beyond the clinic. In the broader health care arena, digital health technologies (DHTs) are transforming how health professionals assess, prevent, and treat both physical and mental health problems. DHTs include assessments and interventions delivered via computer, Internet, mobile phone, and wireless or wearable device technologies. The emerging literature examining within-treatment and mobile DHTs highlights an opportunity to create personalized alcohol treatments for every person seeking care. Despite the promises DHTs may hold, however, there still are many potential risks to using them and a number of challenges regarding how to integrate them into treatment successfully. This article will review the current and potential advantages of DHTs in alcohol treatment and the technological, personal, organizational, and systemic limitations of integrating various technology-based assessment and intervention programs into care.
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213
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Burton J, Brook G, McSorley J, Murphy S. The utility of short message service (SMS) texts to remind patients at higher risk of STIs and HIV to reattend for testing: a controlled before and after study. Sex Transm Infect 2013; 90:11-3. [PMID: 24064987 DOI: 10.1136/sextrans-2013-051228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients attending for sexually transmitted infection (STI)/HIV testing may be at continuing risk of infection and advised to return for retesting at a later date. OBJECTIVES To measure the impact of short message service (SMS) text reminders on the reattendance rates of patients who require repeat STI testing. METHODS Reattendance rates were measured for two groups of higher risk patients: those listed for routine SMS text reminders in 2012 and a control group of patients from 2011 with the same risk profile who had not received any active recall. Reattendance was counted if it was within 4 months of the end of the episode of care. RESULTS Reattendance rates were not statistically different between the text group 32% (89/274) and the control group 35% (92/266). Reattendance also was not statistically different between the text and control groups respectively in patients with the following risks: recent chlamydia 43/121 (36%) versus 41/123 (33%), recent gonorrhoea 4/21 (19%) versus 7/21 (33%), recent emergency contraception 27/60 (45%) versus 25/56 (45%) and other risks 7/27 (26%) versus 9/26 (35%). High rates of STIs were found in patients who reattended in both the text group (13/90, 14%) and control group (15/91, 17%) and at even higher rates at reattendance if the reason for recall was chlamydia infection at the initial visit: 9/43 (21%) in the text group and 10/41 (24%) in the control group. CONCLUSIONS SMS texts sent as reminders to patients at higher risk of STIs and HIV did not increase the reattendance rate, when compared with standard advice, in this service which already has a high reattendance rate. STI rates were high in those patients who reattended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Burton
- Department of Sexual Health and HIV, Central Middlesex Hospital, North West London Hospitals NHS Trust, , London, UK
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Heatley E, Middleton P, Hague W, Crowther C. The DIAMIND study: postpartum SMS reminders to women who have had gestational diabetes mellitus to test for type 2 diabetes: a randomised controlled trial - study protocol. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2013; 13:92. [PMID: 23587090 PMCID: PMC3626874 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2393-13-92] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2013] [Accepted: 04/08/2013] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Postpartum follow up of women who have been found to have gestational diabetes during pregnancy is essential because of the strong association of gestational diabetes with subsequent type 2 diabetes. Postal reminders have been shown to increase significantly attendance for oral glucose tolerance testing postpartum. It is possible that a short message service (text) reminder system may also be effective. This trial aims to assess whether a text message reminder system for women who have experienced gestational diabetes in their index pregnancy will increase attendance for oral glucose tolerance testing within six months after birth. Methods/Design Design: Single centre (Women’s and Children’s Hospital, South Australia), parallel group randomised controlled trial. Inclusion criteria: Women diagnosed with gestational diabetes in their index pregnancy (oral glucose tolerance test with fasting glucose ≥ 5.5 mmol/L and/or two hour glucose ≥ 7.8 mmol/L), with access to a mobile phone, whose capillary blood glucose profile measurements prior to postnatal discharge are all normal (fasting glucose < 6.0 mmol/L, postprandial glucoses < 8.0 mmol/L). Exclusion criteria: Pregestational diabetes mellitus, triplet/higher order multiple birth or stillbirth in the index pregnancy, requirement for interpreter. Trial entry and randomisation: Allocation to intervention will be undertaken using a telephone randomisation service (computer-generated random number sequence generation, with balanced variable blocks, and stratification by insulin requirement). Study groups: Women in the intervention group will receive a text reminder to attend for an oral glucose tolerance test at 6 weeks postpartum, with further reminders at 3 months and 6 months if they do not respond to indicate test completion. Women in the control group will receive a single text message reminder at 6 months postpartum. Blinding: Baseline data collection will be undertaken blinded. Blinding of participants and blinded collection of primary outcome data will not be possible for this study. Primary study outcome: Attendance for the oral glucose tolerance test within 6 months postpartum. Sample size: 276 subjects will be required to show an 18% absolute increase in the rate of attendance (α=0.05 two tailed, β=80%, 5% loss to follow up) from 37% to 55% in the intervention group. Discussion Given the heightened risk of impaired glucose tolerance and type 2 diabetes in women who have had gestational diabetes, ensuring the highest possible rate of attendance for postpartum glucose tolerance testing, so that early diagnosis and intervention can occur, is important. A text message reminder system may prove to be an effective method for achieving improved attendance for such testing. This randomised controlled trial will assess whether such a system will increase rates of attendance for postpartum oral glucose tolerance testing in women who have experienced gestational diabetes. Trial Registration Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry - ACTRN12612000621819
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Affiliation(s)
- Emer Heatley
- Australian Research Centre for Health of Women and Babies, Robinson Institute, The University of Adelaide, 72 King William Road North, Adelaide, SA 5006, Australia.
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Junod Perron N, Dao MD, Righini NC, Humair JP, Broers B, Narring F, Haller DM, Gaspoz JM. Text-messaging versus telephone reminders to reduce missed appointments in an academic primary care clinic: a randomized controlled trial. BMC Health Serv Res 2013; 13:125. [PMID: 23557331 PMCID: PMC3623700 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6963-13-125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2012] [Accepted: 03/18/2013] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Telephone or text-message reminders have been shown to significantly reduce the rate of missed appointments in different medical settings. Since text-messaging is less resource-demanding, we tested the hypothesis that text-message reminders would be as effective as telephone reminders in an academic primary care clinic. Methods A randomized controlled non-inferiority trial was conducted in the academic primary care division of the Geneva University Hospitals between November 2010 and April 2011. Patients registered for an appointment at the clinic, and for whom a cell phone number was available, were randomly selected to receive a text-message or a telephone call reminder 24 hours before the planned appointment. Patients were included each time they had an appointment. The main outcome was the rate of unexplained missed appointments. Appointments were not missed if they were cancelled or re-scheduled before or independently from the intervention. We defined non-inferiority as a difference below 2% in the rate of missed appointments and powered the study accordingly. A satisfaction survey was conducted among a random sample of 900 patients (response rate 41%). Results 6450 patients were included, 3285 in the text-message group and 3165 in the telephone group. The rate of missed appointments was similar in the text-message group (11.7%, 95% CI: 10.6-12.8) and in the telephone group (10.2%, 95% CI: 9.2-11.3 p = 0.07). However, only text message reminders were cost-effective. No patient reported any disturbance by any type of reminder in the satisfaction survey. Three quarters of surveyed patients recommended its regular implementation in the clinic. Conclusions Text-message reminders are equivalent to telephone reminders in reducing the proportion of missed appointments in an academic primary care clinic and are more cost-effective. Both types of reminders are well accepted by patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noelle Junod Perron
- Division of primary care medicine, Department of community medicine, primary care and emergency medicine, Geneva University Hospitals, 4 rue Gabrielle Perret-Gentil, Geneva 14, 1211, Switzerland.
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Free C, Phillips G, Felix L, Galli L, Patel V, Edwards P. The effectiveness of M-health technologies for improving health and health services: a systematic review protocol. BMC Res Notes 2010; 3:250. [PMID: 20925916 PMCID: PMC2976743 DOI: 10.1186/1756-0500-3-250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 225] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2010] [Accepted: 10/06/2010] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The application of mobile computing and communication technology is rapidly expanding in the fields of health care and public health. This systematic review will summarise the evidence for the effectiveness of mobile technology interventions for improving health and health service outcomes (M-health) around the world. FINDINGS To be included in the review interventions must aim to improve or promote health or health service use and quality, employing any mobile computing and communication technology. This includes: (1) interventions designed to improve diagnosis, investigation, treatment, monitoring and management of disease; (2) interventions to deliver treatment or disease management programmes to patients, health promotion interventions, and interventions designed to improve treatment compliance; and (3) interventions to improve health care processes e.g. appointment attendance, result notification, vaccination reminders.A comprehensive, electronic search strategy will be used to identify controlled studies, published since 1990, and indexed in MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Global Health, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, or the UK NHS Health Technology Assessment database. The search strategy will include terms (and synonyms) for the following mobile electronic devices (MEDs) and a range of compatible media: mobile phone; personal digital assistant (PDA); handheld computer (e.g. tablet PC); PDA phone (e.g. BlackBerry, Palm Pilot); Smartphone; enterprise digital assistant; portable media player (i.e. MP3 or MP4 player); handheld video game console. No terms for health or health service outcomes will be included, to ensure that all applications of mobile technology in public health and health services are identified. Bibliographies of primary studies and review articles meeting the inclusion criteria will be searched manually to identify further eligible studies. Data on objective and self-reported outcomes and study quality will be independently extracted by two review authors. Where there are sufficient numbers of similar interventions, we will calculate and report pooled risk ratios or standardised mean differences using meta-analysis. DISCUSSION This systematic review will provide recommendations on the use of mobile computing and communication technology in health care and public health and will guide future work on intervention development and primary research in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Free
- Department of Nutrition and Public Health Intervention Research, Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine WC1E 7HT UK.
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