Rheumatology: Current Research
Open Access
ISSN: 2161-1149 (Printed)
ISSN: 2161-1149 (Printed)
Vishal Mehta
Scientific Tracks Abstracts: Rheumatology & Orthopedics
Purpose: The purpose of this study is to describe the implementation of a text-messaging based system to keep patients informed following orthopedic procedures. Methods: Prior to implementation of this system (Healthy-TXT?), patients were given written instructions informing them about their post-operative recovery after ACL surgery. With implementation of this system, patients now received this information via SMS messaging on their mobile devices at pre-defined time points. Implementation, learning curve, privacy (HIPAA) and patient satisfaction issues are learned and reported. Results: Feedback from staff and patients after the first 50 ACL reconstructions has been positive. Patients have cited the greatest points of satisfaction as being: information never being lost, correct information at the correct time points, feeling like their surgeon is in touch with them throughout their post-operative course. Surgeon and staff cite as the greatest points of satisfaction: decreased call volume regarding standard questions, patient satisfaction, decreased time and expense in no longer preparing folder with printed information, ability to remind patients of restrictions at certain time points. Conclusions: Our healthcare system is currently in the midst of an ?MHealth? revolution. Many of these mobile health technologies are yet to become relevant to clinical practice. The use of an SMS-based system (Healthy-TXT?) can improve practice efficiencies and increase patients satisfaction by communicating standard post-operative information in an automated fashion. Clinical Relevance: Surgeons should consider the use of mobile health platforms to keep patients informed of relevant information during their post-operative course