Short message service use in clinical care through a simulation activity.

Area of Science:

• Nursing Informatics
• Health Informatics Education
• Digital Health Interventions

Background:

• Informatics competency integration in Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs remains insufficient.
• This study introduces a Short Message Service (SMS) simulation to enhance informatics knowledge and skills within the DNP curriculum.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of an SMS-based simulation activity for teaching informatics to DNP students.
• To explore the potential of SMS technology in patient chronic condition management and healthcare delivery.

Main Methods:

• A 3-week ecological momentary assessment simulation using SMS technology was conducted with DNP students.
• Student experiences were evaluated via surveys and narrative feedback.
• Data analysis included descriptive statistics and open-ended coding.

Main Results:

• The SMS simulation provided valuable insights for future SMS-based healthcare delivery.
• Potential cost savings for healthcare payers through SMS follow-up messaging reimbursement were identified.

Conclusions:

• SMS technology is effective in supporting patients with chronic health condition management.
• Reimbursement for SMS use in clinical practice could incentivize healthcare providers to adopt this technology.