Technology and Health Communication in Improving Health Outcomes in Patients Scheduled for Mammography

Text for Health: Integrating Technology and Health Communication to Improve Health Outcomes (Part 2 of 2)

This pilot clinical trial studies how well technology and health communication works in improving health outcomes in patients scheduled for mammography screening. The Mobile Mammography Screening Program provides a vital health service and it is important that all women scheduled for an appointment show-up to be screened. Technology and health communication may help decrease no-show rates among patients scheduled for mammography screening.

PRIMARY OBJECTIVES:

I. To decrease the mobile mammography unit no-show rate by sending text message appointment reminders to patients.

II. To assess the efficacy of the text message reminders at addressing the no-show rate by collecting satisfaction survey data from patients that received the texts and that came to their scheduled appointment.

OUTLINE:

Patients receive 1-2 text messages a few weeks before and 1 text message 24 hours before their mammography screening appointment. Patients also receive a phone call reminder as per standard practice.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Appointment is at a participating location
• Has a cell phone that can send and receive text messages
• Agrees to receive the text messages
• Can read either English or Spanish
• Not yet sent text messages to 100 patients in community or corporate sites
• Scheduled at least 1 week prior to the appointment date
• PATIENTS FOR FOLLOW UP: come to their scheduled appointment
• PATIENTS FOR FOLLOW UP: received the text message reminders
• PATIENTS FOR FOLLOW UP: can read either English or Spanish