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Text Messaging for HIV/AIDS Patients
Posted August 26th, 2009 by SarahRagsdale
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Part of the AIDS.gov KnowledgeSite
Research indicates that the use of mobile phones and texting activity have become widespread. For example:
- According to Pew Internet & the American Life Project, two-thirds of American adults own a cell phone.
- Nielsen Online reports that the average number of monthly text messages far exceeds the average number of voice calls. Among 13-17 year olds, the average number of monthly text messages exceeds 1700.
- A study by the Mobile Marketing Association, indicates that 41-percent of US mobile subscribers have unlimited text messaging as part of their wireless plan.Experian Consumer Research has found that the average text message is read within 15 minutes of receipt.
Given the popularity of mobile phones and texting, many organizations and studies have either examined or used text messaging services for HIV/AIDS medication compliance and appointment reminders. In addition, because many HIV/AIDS patients battle homelessness and substance abuse text reminders can help patients stay on track with appointments and medications.
There are many ways AIDS services organization can use text messaging to improve patient outcomes.
- Use software for providers and clients to schedule and track appointment and medication reminders
- E-mail text messages about medication times, appointments, and refills
- Ask clients to opt-in to receive text message reminders
- Understand how third-party contractors handle privacy concerns
- Avoid sending diagnostic information such as test results by text
- Let clients choose their own messages
One promising text messaging reminder program is being run by Kaiser Permanente. Its MyHealthManager portal provides patients with information via SMS, including appointment reminders. The Kaiser Permanente program has seen great success. According to Mobi Health News, three million users are on MyHealthManager portal and 600,000 messages are exchanged between patients and doctors each month.
Additional Resources:
- Text Messaging for HIV Appointment and Medication Reminders. AIDS.gov blog. February 2, 2009. http://blog.aids.gov/2009/02/text-messaging-for-hiv-appointment-and-medi...
- News Virginian article by Aaron Lee. December 24, 2008. http://www2.newsvirginian.com/wnv/news/local/article/text-message_program_to_aid_hiv_cases_in_rural_areas/33312/
- Kaiser Permanente’s mobile efforts beyond SMS. MobiHealthNews. April 8th, 2009. http://mobihealthnews.com/tag/appointment-reminders/
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Dive Deeper: Read additional content from the AIDS.gov KnowledgeSite.