A systematic review on reminder systems in physical therapy

Area of Science:

• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Physical therapy aims to enhance patient health status.
• Patient adherence is crucial for successful physical therapy outcomes.
• Reminders are investigated as a strategy to improve adherence.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review literature on reminder interventions in physical therapy.
• To analyze the types, delivery methods, and effectiveness of reminders.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature search of databases until May 2017.
• Keywords and MeSH terms included 'reminder' and 'physical therapy'.
• Data extraction followed PRISMA guidelines, categorizing reminders by aspect (how, who, feedback).

Main Results:

• Reminders were most frequently sent to patients (47%), followed by physical therapists (29%).
• Paper-based letters were used in 24% of studies; electronic methods like SMS and email were also common.
• Positive effects of reminders were reported in 35% of the included articles.

Conclusions:

• Various reminder methods, including SMS, phone calls, letters, emails, and notices, are employed in physical therapy.
• Reminders show potential for improving patient adherence to prescribed exercise programs.