Investigating the Implementation of SMS and Mobile Messaging in Population Screening (the SIPS Study): Protocol for a...

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Digital Health
• Public Health Interventions

Background:

• Mobile messaging (SMS, web-based) is increasingly used in healthcare, including population screening.
• Implementation in screening programs faces challenges due to diverse patient needs and communication hubs.
• A lack of robust frameworks exists to guide mobile messaging implementation in these settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a guide for principles of mobile messaging use in population screening programs in England.
• To establish evidence-based recommendations for effective and feasible messaging strategies.
• To address the challenges in implementing mobile communication for large-scale health initiatives.

Main Methods:

• A modified Delphi study combining evidence synthesis (literature review 2000-2021) and expert consensus generation.
• Thematic analysis of expert questionnaire responses and input from Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement groups.
• Three rounds of anonymous expert voting on item importance and feasibility, with 70% consensus defining recommendations.

Main Results:

• Ethical approval obtained from Imperial College London (ref: 20IC6088).
• Expected results include a list of recommendations for screening services, disseminated via Public Health England.
• The study will yield a formal guideline for mobile messaging in screening and identify future research directions.

Conclusions:

• Mobile messaging use in healthcare has surged, particularly post-COVID-19, but screening implementation remains complex.
• A modified Delphi approach with experts will offer insights for integrating messaging into screening programs.
• This research will foster awareness of advancements and best practices in digital health communication for public health.