The Impact of SMS Follow-up on Treatment Outcomes and Patient Satisfaction in Trauma Patients
Short messages to trauma patients
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.35516/jmj.v59i1.2368Keywords:
SMS, trauma, emergency department, treatment adherence, patient satisfactionAbstract
Background: Communication channels such as text messaging (SMS) effectively improve patient adherence to treatment and overall healthcare outcomes. This study investigated the impact of SMS follow-up on treatment outcomes and patient satisfaction in trauma patients discharged from the emergency department.
Methods: This randomized controlled trial included trauma patients who required treatment after discharge from the emergency department of Haft Tir Hospital in Tehran, Iran. Patients were randomly assigned to either an SMS follow-up group or a control group that received no SMS. The SMS follow-up group received text messages containing reminders about medication adherence, wound care instructions, and clinic appointment schedules.
Results: A total of 340 patients with a mean age of 33.47 ± 8.54 years were included in the study. Of these, 126 were female (37.05%) and 214 were male (62.95%). The SMS follow-up group showed significantly higher treatment adherence than the control group (P = 0.036). Additionally, the SMS group had significantly lower wound infection rates (P = 0.021) and shorter healing times (P = 0.043). Patient satisfaction was also significantly higher in the SMS group compared to the control group (P = 0.024).
Discussion: The findings of this study suggest that SMS follow-up can significantly improve treatment outcomes and patient satisfaction in trauma patients discharged from the emergency department. SMS follow-up can help to improve patient adherence to treatment, reduce wound infection rates, and accelerate healing times. Additionally, SMS follow-up can enhance patient satisfaction by providing timely reminders and support.
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