Lindsey R. Thompson, MS, MPH, IBCLC, Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine (KPSOM) Director of Health Systems Science Research Operations, has coauthored a study exploring the feasibility of using text messages as a means of follow-up care for pediatric asthma patients after an Emergency Department (ED) visit. The research aimed to address the common issue of children not following up with their primary care providers after ED visits for asthma.
In the study, parents of children who sought ED care for asthma were recruited, with an impressive participation rate of 85%. One month after their ED visit, parents received a 22-item survey via SMS, assessing asthma morbidity. The findings showed that 55% of parents responded to the SMS survey.
Interestingly, the study identified a few key factors influencing response rates, such as high school graduate parents being four times more likely to respond than those without a high school degree. Overall, the study suggests that text messaging may help identify children with persistent symptoms who require enhanced care or modifications to their care plans.
