SPOTLIGHT: Study examines healthcare potential of SMS

In Europe, Vodafone released details of a study that highlights the benefits of text messaging in healthcare. Researchers at Imperial College London that found that using text messaging made providers more efficient--cutting down on missed appointments by about 30 percent. The study also found that text reminders helped patients self-manage their care far more effectively, confirming what other researchers have found. The Vodafone report also examines the public health benefits of using SMS to broadcast advisories and warnings. A companion paper looks at the success of Sweet Talk, a system developed by Scottish researchers that uses text messaging to help diabetics manage the disease. Sweet Talk also allows participants to send questions to their doctors. Release

Post a comment