Utilization of Text Messages to Supplement Rounding Communication: a Randomized Feasibility Study

Area of Science:

• Health Communication
• Medical Informatics
• Patient Engagement

Background:

• Fragmented hospital communication leads to patient confusion regarding daily clinical plans.
• Bidirectional communication between healthcare teams, patients, and families is crucial for effective care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To pilot a text message-based platform to enhance bidirectional communication about clinical plans and patient goals.
• To assess the feasibility and acceptability of a novel communication intervention in inpatient settings.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial involving 30 adult patients, 30 pediatric patient caregivers, and their treating interns.
• Daily text messages were used for patients/caregivers to report goals and assess understanding of the clinical plan.
• Interns received daily texts to report the clinical plan and assess understanding of patient goals.

Main Results:

• Feasibility was met with high survey response rates across all participant groups (58%-80%).
• Patients and caregivers in the intervention group showed significantly higher understanding of medication changes (76% vs 50%) and new consultations (90% vs 61%).
• Interns demonstrated improved understanding of patient goals (93% vs 40%), especially for adult patients (97% vs 17%). Caregivers reported better communication for decision-making.

Conclusions:

• The text message-based communication intervention was feasible and acceptable to patients, caregivers, and trainees.
• Preliminary evidence suggests improved understanding of clinical plans, medication changes, and patient goals.
• Further large-scale randomized trials are warranted to confirm the efficacy of this communication strategy.