Patients' Expectations and Experiences With a Mental Health-Focused Supportive Text Messaging Program: Mixed Methods...

Area of Science:

• Digital mental health interventions
• Telepsychiatry and e-health
• Patient support services

Background:

• Web-based services offer scalable and economical support using existing technology.
• Text4Support is a text messaging service designed to aid individuals with mental health conditions post-inpatient care.
• This service complements existing treatment modalities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate user satisfaction with the Text4Support service.
• To understand patient experiences with a post-discharge mental health text messaging intervention.
• To identify areas for improvement in digital mental health support.

Main Methods:

• Mixed-methods study utilizing secondary data from a pilot observational controlled trial.
• Included 89 participants receiving supportive text messages post-acute psychiatric care.
• Thematic and descriptive analyses were performed, with univariate analysis for demographic differences.

Main Results:

• High satisfaction rates were reported for Text4Support's message feedback and perceived impact.
• No significant differences in satisfaction were found based on sex at birth or primary diagnosis.
• Participants were satisfied with daily messaging for six months but recommended increased personalization and interaction.

Conclusions:

• Text4Support is well-received by patients after psychiatric discharge, irrespective of demographics or diagnosis.
• Future digital mental health services should consider incorporating greater personalization and interactive elements.
• The findings support the utility of text messaging as a complementary mental health support tool.