SMS reminders in the UK national health service: an evaluation of its impact on "no-shows" at hospital out-patient clinics

Health Care Manage Rev. 2006 Apr-Jun;31(2):130-6. doi: 10.1097/00004010-200604000-00006.

Abstract

The ownership of cell phones and use of short message service (SMS) are sufficiently common in the United Kingdom to be exploited by health services providers. The study evaluates their use to reduce nonattendance at out-patient clinics. The impact is modest, but so also is the cost, about 7.50 pounds (13.13 dollars, 10.88 euros) per "no-show" avoided.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Appointments and Schedules*
  • Cell Phone / statistics & numerical data*
  • Cell Phone / supply & distribution
  • Child
  • Hospitals, Public / statistics & numerical data
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Outpatient Clinics, Hospital / statistics & numerical data*
  • Patient Dropouts
  • Pediatrics
  • Referral and Consultation / statistics & numerical data
  • Reminder Systems / instrumentation*
  • Reminder Systems / statistics & numerical data
  • Scotland
  • State Medicine / organization & administration*
  • United Kingdom