Text-Message Reminders for Routine Check-ups

(HEDIS Trial)

This trial tests how different reminder methods help children complete their Well-Child Visits (regular health check-ups). It compares traditional reminders to automated text messages (Automated SMS) and texts with additional scheduling assistance (Automated SMS + Scheduling Assistance). The goal is to determine which method most effectively encourages attendance at check-ups. Children aged 0-21 who haven't had a check-up in the past year and can receive texts are eligible. The study aims to enhance how healthcare providers remind families about important medical visits. As an unphased trial, it offers families an opportunity to contribute to improving healthcare communication strategies.

The trial information does not specify whether participants need to stop taking their current medications. It seems unlikely, as the study focuses on text-message reminders for routine check-ups.

Previous studies have shown that text message reminders effectively increase appointment attendance. Research indicates that these reminders can improve attendance rates in children's clinics, offering a promising way to reduce missed appointments.

For automated text messages that also assist with scheduling, findings suggest this combination not only reminds families of their appointments but also simplifies scheduling. This two-part approach has successfully increased both the scheduling and attendance of children's check-ups.

Both methods—simple text reminders and those with added scheduling help—have shown no significant safety concerns. They involve sending messages, which people generally find acceptable. No reports of negative effects from receiving these text messages exist.

Researchers are excited about using automated text-message reminders for routine check-ups because they offer a modern twist on appointment reminders. Unlike traditional reminders, these automated SMS messages are sent at strategic intervals to boost attendance. The addition of scheduling assistance takes it a step further by allowing patients to set appointments directly through their phones, making the process seamless and convenient. This approach not only aims to improve attendance rates for Well-Child Visits but also simplifies the scheduling process, potentially leading to better healthcare outcomes.

Research has shown that text message reminders effectively help people attend Well-Child Visits. For example, one study found that text messages increased visit attendance from 46.6% to 84.6%. Another study demonstrated that electronic reminders, such as automated text messages, significantly improved attendance. In this trial, one group will receive Automated SMS messages, while another group will receive Automated SMS combined with Scheduling Assistance. When text messages were paired with scheduling help, they proved even more effective. This combined approach led to more appointments being made soon after the messages were sent. These findings suggest that using automated texts, especially with scheduling assistance, can successfully increase attendance at Well-Child Visits.¹²⁵⁶⁷