Zafar SN, Hazlewood G, Dhiman K, Charlton A, Then KL, Dempsey E, Lester R, Hoens AM, Lacaille D, Barnabe C, Rankin J, Mosher D, Barber CEH. "How are you?" Perspectives From Patients and Health Care Providers of Text Messaging to Support Rheumatoid Arthritis Care: A Thematic Analysis.
ACR Open Rheumatol 2024;
6:276-286. [PMID:
38376004 PMCID:
PMC11089442 DOI:
10.1002/acr2.11652]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 12/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) may need to access rheumatology care between scheduled visits. WelTel is a virtual care platform that supports secure two-way text-messaging between patients and their health care team. The objective of the present study was to explore perspectives and experiences of health care providers (HCPs) and patients related to the use of WelTel as an adjunct to routine care.
METHODS
Seventy patients with RA were enrolled in a six-month WelTel pilot project launched in September 2021. Patients received monthly "How are you?" text message check-ins and could message their health care team during clinic hours to request health advice. The current project is a qualitative study of the WelTel pilot. A subgroup of pilot participants was purposively sampled and invited to participate in interviews. A thematic analysis of transcripts was conducted using a deductive approach leveraging quality of care domains.
RESULTS
Thirteen patients (62% female, mean age 62 years, 10 White) completed interviews. Patients' views suggested that text messaging with the rheumatology team supported high-quality care across multiple quality domains including patient-centeredness, timeliness, efficiency, safety, effectiveness, equity, and appropriateness. Seven HCPs (57.1% female, one pharmacist and six rheumatologists) completed interviews. HCPs' perspectives varied based on their experience with the WelTel platform. Additional themes reported by HCPs included perceived increased workload and burnout.
CONCLUSIONS
Patients with RA perceived text-based messaging as supporting high-quality care. The impact of increased communications on HCP burnout and workload requires consideration, and future studies should evaluate the effect of texting on patient outcomes.
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