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Retaining homeless veterans in outpatient care: A pilot study of mobile phone text message appointment reminders

Author

Listed:
  • McInnes, D.K.
  • Petrakis, B.A.
  • Gifford, A.L.
  • Rao, S.R.
  • Houston, T.K.
  • Asch, S.M.
  • O'Toole, T.P.

Abstract

Objectives. We examined the feasibility of using mobile phone text messaging with homeless veterans to increase their engagement in care and reduce appointment no-shows. Methods.We sent 2 text message reminders to participants (n = 20) before each of their outpatient appointments at an urban Veterans Affairs medical center. Evaluation included pre- and postsurvey questionnaires, open-ended questions, and review of medical records. We estimated costs and savings of large-scale implementation. Results. Participants were satisfied with the text-messaging intervention, had very few technical difficulties, and were interested in continuing. Patientcancelled visits and no-shows trended downward from 53 to 37 and from 31 to 25, respectively. Participants also experienced a statistically significant reduction in emergency department visits, from 15 to 5 (difference of 10; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.2, 17.8; P = .01), and a borderline significant reduction in hospitalizations, from 3 to 0 (difference of 3; 95% CI =-0.4, 6.4; P = .08). Conclusions. Text message reminders are a feasible means of reaching homeless veterans, and users consider it acceptable and useful. Implementation may reduce missed visits and emergency department use, and thus produce substantial cost savings.

Suggested Citation

  • McInnes, D.K. & Petrakis, B.A. & Gifford, A.L. & Rao, S.R. & Houston, T.K. & Asch, S.M. & O'Toole, T.P., 2014. "Retaining homeless veterans in outpatient care: A pilot study of mobile phone text message appointment reminders," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 104(S4), pages 588-594.
    • Handle: RePEc:aph:ajpbhl:10.2105/ajph.2014.302061_0
    DOI: 10.2105/AJPH.2014.302061
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    Cited by:

    1. Sarah J Iribarren & Kenrick Cato & Louise Falzon & Patricia W Stone, 2017. "What is the economic evidence for mHealth? A systematic review of economic evaluations of mHealth solutions," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 12(2), pages 1-20, February.
    2. Jane Currie & Amanda Stafford & Jennie Hutton & Lisa Wood, 2023. "Optimising Access to Healthcare for Patients Experiencing Homelessness in Hospital Emergency Departments," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(3), pages 1-8, January.

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