Text Messaging Feature Research Articles

Smart Electronic Noticing System Through Voice Alert and Text Message

Abstract: In the era of smart technologies, this project introduces an approach to streamline and enhance the process of electronic noticing by incorporating the voice commands and text messaging capabilities. The Smart Electronic Noticing System via voice and text message features reduces the reliance on traditional noticing system. This system is developed to offer an effective and user-friendly platform for managing announcements in various places such as shopping malls, traffic signals, hospitals, railway stations, bus stations, offices, and other public spaces. The system uses advanced voice recognition technology through android application to allow user to interact with the noticing system through spoken commands. Additionally, users can conveniently send notices via text messages with the help of telegram bot, further expanding the system's versatility. By the combination of voice command and text message features, the Smart Electronic Noticing System aims to redefine the way of user interact with and manage notices. Apart from the voice and text message capabilities, the system also has a capability to display the current atmospheric temperature with some pre- defined delay. This project aligns with the growing demand for accessible, and efficient smart solutions in today's technologically advanced world.

Using a chatbot to reduce emergency department visits and unscheduled hospitalizations among patients with gynecologic malignancies during chemotherapy: A retrospective cohort study

BackgroundA chatbot is an automatic text-messaging tool that creates a dynamic interaction and simulates a human conversation through text or voice via smartphones or computers. A chatbot could be an effective solution for cancer patients' follow-up during treatment, and could save time for healthcare providers. ObjectiveWe conducted a retrospective cohort study to evaluate whether a chatbot-based collection of patient-reported symptoms during chemotherapy, with automated alerts to clinicians, could decrease emergency department (ED) visits and hospitalizations. A control group received usual care. MethodsSelf-reporting symptoms were communicated via the chatbot, a Facebook Messenger-based interface for patients with gynecologic malignancies. The chatbot included questions about common symptoms experienced during chemotherapy. Patients could also use the text-messaging feature to speak directly to the chatbot, and all reported outcomes were monitored by a cancer manager. The primary and secondary outcomes of the study were emergency department visits and unscheduled hospitalizations after initiation of chemotherapy after diagnosis of gynecologic malignancies. Multivariate Poisson regression models were applied to assess the adjusted incidence rate ratios (aIRRs) for chatbot use for ED visits and unscheduled hospitalizations after controlling for age, cancer stage, type of malignancy, diabetes, hypertension, chronic renal insufficiency, and coronary heart disease. ResultTwenty patients were included in the chatbot group, and 43 in the usual-care group. Significantly lower aIRRs for chatbot use for ED visits (0.27; 95% CI 0.11–0.65; p = 0.003) and unscheduled hospitalizations (0.31; 95% CI 0.11–0.88; p = 0.028) were noted. Patients using the chatbot approach had lower aIRRs of ED visits and unscheduled hospitalizations compared to usual-care patients. ConclusionsThe chatbot was helpful for reducing ED visits and unscheduled hospitalizations in patients with gynecologic malignancies who were receiving chemotherapy. These findings are valuable for inspiring the future design of digital health interventions for cancer patients.

Targeted eHealth Intervention to Reduce Breast Cancer Survivors' Fear of Recurrence: Results From the FoRtitude Randomized Trial.

BackgroundFear of recurrence (FoR) is a prevalent concern among breast cancer survivors (BCS), yet few accessible interventions exist. This study evaluated a targeted eHealth intervention, “FoRtitude,” to reduce FoR using cognitive behavioral skills training and telecoaching. MethodsBCS (N = 196) were recruited from an academic medical center and 3 National Cancer Institute Community Oncology Research Program community sites, had stage 0-III breast cancer, were 1-10 years postprimary treatment, with moderate to high FoR and familiarity with the internet. Using the Multiphase Optimization Strategy, participants were independently randomly assigned to 3 cognitive behavioral skills (relaxation, cognitive restructuring, worry practice) vs an attention control condition (health management content [HMC]) and to telecoaching (motivational interviewing) vs no telecoaching. Website content was released across 4 weeks and included didactic lessons, interactive tools, and a text-messaging feature. BCS completed the Fear of Cancer Recurrence Inventory at baseline and at 4 and 8 weeks. Fear of Cancer Recurrence Inventory scores over time were compared using mixed-effects models. All statistical tests were 2-sided.ResultsFCRI scores [SD] decreased statistically significantly from baseline to postintervention (T0 = 53.1 [17.4], T2 = 41.9 [16.2], P < .001). The magnitude of reduction in FCRI scores was comparable across cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and attention control HMC conditions and was predicted by increased self-efficacy. Telecoaching was associated with lower attrition and greater website use (mean adherence score [SD] = 26.6 [7.2] vs 21.0 [10.5], P < .001).ConclusionsBCS experienced statistically significant reductions in FoR postintervention, but improvements were comparable between CBT and attention controls. Telecoaching improved adherence and retention. Future research is needed on optimal integration of CBT and HMC, dose, and features of eHealth delivery that contributed to reducing FoR. In the COVID-19 era, remote delivery has become even more essential for reaching survivors struggling with FoR.

A novel tool to monitor adherence to oral oncolytics: A pilot study.

286 Background: Non-adherence is an important issue in cancer care as more oral cytotoxic and targeted agents become available. Although oral therapies may be more convenient for patients, measuring and optimizing adherence is challenging. The Nomi system records real-time medication taking behavior from a "smart" prescription bottle and displays the data on a web-based interface. Nomi can also communicate with patients via text message to intervene in cases of non-adherence. We report the results of a 28-patient pilot study aiming to assess Nomi’s ability to assist patients taking capecitabine, an oral chemotherapy agent with a complex, cyclical regimen. Methods: Eligible patients were prescribed capecitabine for breast, colorectal, pancreatic, or biliary cancer. The study had a pre-intervention stage, during which patients were monitored, and an intervention stage, in which the text messaging feature was enabled. Adherence was defined as the number of correct doses (both timing and quantity) over the total number of prescribed doses. Conversions were events in which patients took a dose after receiving a text intervention (from Nomi). We defined three categories of patients by percent change in adherence: category 1 ( &gt; 8%), category 2 (-8% to 8%), and category 3 ( &lt; -8%). Results: We collected data from 28 patients (24 pre/post and 4 pre-only). On average, patients were 84% adherent (N = 28; SD = 11%). During pre-intervention, patients had a self-adherence of 89% (SD = 12%), and afterwards, they had an average adherence of 90% (SD = 6%). Most of the patients in category 1 demonstrated a substantial conversion rate ( &gt; 35%). Patients in category 1 tended to live in regions with lower average household income (Mean = $58,937) than those in category 2 (Mean = $77,482) and category 3 (Mean = $90,972). Of survey respondents, 56% indicated that they would want to continue using Nomi, while 67% indicated that they would recommend it to others. Conclusions: This innovative technology is able to monitor, measure and intervene for patients taking capecitabine in real-time. Adherence overall was high, and some patients appeared to benefit more from text message interventions. Future work should focus on patients deemed high risk for non-adherence.

A novel tool to monitor adherence to oral oncolytics: a pilot study

Background: Non-adherence is an important issue in cancer care as more oral cytotoxic and targeted agents become available. Although oral therapies may be more convenient for patients, measuring and optimizing adherence is challenging. The Nomi system records real-time medication taking behavior from a “smart” prescription bottle and displays the data on a web-based interface. Nomi can also communicate with patients via text message to intervene in cases of non-adherence. Aims: The objective is to report the results of a 28-patient pilot study aiming to assess Nomi’s ability to assist patients taking capecitabine, an oral chemotherapy agent with a complex, cyclical regimen. Methods: Eligible patients were prescribed capecitabine for breast, colorectal, pancreatic, or biliary cancer. The study had a pre-intervention stage, during which patients were monitored, and an intervention stage, in which the text messaging feature was enabled. Adherence was defined as the number of correct doses (both timing and quantity) over the total number of prescribed doses. Conversions were events in which patients took a dose after receiving a text intervention (from Nomi). Adherence throughout the study was calculated from the data that the bottles collected – we calculated adherence scores for each patient, during each cycle and study period (pre vs. post-intervention), defined as the number of correct doses (both timing and quantity) over the total number of prescribed doses. We defined three categories of patients by percent change in adherence: category 1 (>8%), category 2 (−8% to 8%), and category 3 (< −8%). Results: We collected data from 28 patients (24 pre/post and 4 pre-only). On average, patients were 84% adherent (N = 28; SD = 11%). During pre-intervention, patients had a self-adherence of 89% (SD = 12%), and afterwards, they had an average adherence of 90% (SD = 6%). Most of the patients in category 1 demonstrated a substantial conversion rate (> 35%). Patients in category 1 tended to live in regions with lower average household income (Mean = $58,937) than those in category 2 (Mean = $77,482) and category 3 (Mean = $90,972). Of survey respondents, 56% indicated that they would want to continue using Nomi, while 67% indicated that they would recommend it to others Conclusions: This innovative technology is able to monitor, measure and intervene for patients taking capecitabine in real-time. Adherence overall was high, and some patients appeared to benefit more from text message interventions. Future work should focus on patients deemed high risk for non-adherence.

Improving Clinician Decisions and Communication in Critical Care Using Novel Information Technology.

The electronic medical record (EMR) is presumed to support clinician decisions by documenting and retrieving patient information. Research shows that the EMR variably affects patient care and clinical decision making. The way information is presented likely has a significant impact on this variability. Well-designed representations of salient information can make a task easier by integrating information in useful patterns that clinicians use to make improved clinical judgments and decisions. Using Cognitive Systems Engineering methods, our research team developed a novel health information technology (NHIT) that interfaces with the EMR to display salient clinical information and enabled communication with a dedicated text-messaging feature. The software allows clinicians to customize displays according to their role and information needs. Here we present results of usability and validation assessments of the NHIT. Our subjects were physicians, nurses, respiratory therapists, and physician trainees. Two arms of this study were conducted, a usability assessment and then a validation assessment. The usability assessment was a computer-based simulation using deceased patient data. After a brief five-minute orientation, the usability assessment measured individual clinician performance of typical tasks in two clinical scenarios using the NHIT. The clinical scenarios included patient admission to the unit and patient readiness for surgery. We evaluated clinician perspective about the NHIT after completing tasks using 7-point Likert scale surveys. In the usability assessment, the primary outcome was participant perceptions about the system's ease of use compared to the legacy system.A subsequent cross-over, validation assessment compared performance of two clinical teams during simulated care scenarios: one using only the legacy IT system and one using the NHIT in addition to the legacy IT system. We oriented both teams to the NHIT during a 1-hour session on the night before the first scenario. Scenarios were conducted using high-fidelity simulation in a real burn intensive care unit room. We used observations, task completion times, semi-structured interviews, and surveys to compare user decisions and perceptions about their performance. The primary outcome for the validation assessment was time to reach accurate (correct) decision points. During the usability assessment, clinicians were able to complete all tasks requested. Clinicians reported the NHIT was easier to use and the novel information display allowed for easier data interpretation compared to subject recollection of the legacy EMR.In the validation assessment, a more junior team of clinicians using the NHIT arrived at accurate diagnoses and decision points at similar times as a more experienced team. Both teams noted improved communication between team members when using the NHIT and overall rated the NHIT as easier to use than the legacy EMR, especially with respect to finding information. The primary findings of these assessments are that clinicians found the NHIT easy to use despite minimal training and experience and that it did not degrade clinician efficiency or decision-making accuracy. These findings are in contrast to common user experiences when introduced to new EMRs in clinical practice.

Using an interactive digital calendar with mobile phone reminders by senior people - a focus group study

BackgroundNew technologies such as mobile/smartphones have the potential to help senior people perform everyday activities. However, senior people may find it difficult using mobile/smartphones, especially the digital calendar and short text message features. Therefore, senior people might need user-friendly, flexible, and interactive digital calendars that provide them with active reminders about their everyday activities. This study focuses on community dwelling seniors’ experiences learning and using RemindMe, an interactive digital calendar with active reminders, as part of customizing an intervention appropriate for senior people with cognitive impairments.MethodsFour focus groups were conducted with 20 community dwelling seniors (11 men and 9 women) who all had used RemindMe for six weeks. The focus groups were tape recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed using content analysis.ResultsFor participants in this study, using a calendar was an essential part of their everyday lives, but only a few had experiences using a digital calendar. Although the participants described RemindMe as easy to use, they had a difficult time incorporating RemindMe into their daily routines. In part, these difficulties were the result of the participants needing to change their mobile/smartphone routines. Some participants felt that using an interactive digital calendar was a sign of modernity allowing them to take part in the society at large, but others felt that their inability to use the technology was due to their age, dependence, and loss of function. Participants found that receiving active reminders through short text messages followed by actively acknowledging the reminder helped them perform more everyday life activities. This feature gave them a higher sense of independence and control.ConclusionsCommunity dwelling seniors found that RemindMe was easy to learn and to use, although they also found it challenging to integrate into their everyday lives. For senior people to make the effort to develop new routines for mobile/smartphone use, a prerequisite for using a digital calendar, they need to be motivated and believe that the technology will make their lives better.

Mobile Health for Tuberculosis Management in South India: Is Video-Based Directly Observed Treatment an Acceptable Alternative?

BackgroundWith the availability of low-cost mobile devices and the ease of internet access, mobile health (mHealth) is digitally revolutionizing the health sector even in resource-constrained settings. It is however necessary to assess end-user perceptions before deploying potential interventions.ObjectiveThis study aimed to assess the mobile phone usage patterns and the acceptability of mobile phone support during care and treatment in patients with tuberculosis (TB) in South India.MethodsThis exploratory study was conducted at an urban private tertiary care teaching hospital and nearby public primary-level health care facilities in Bangalore, South India. We recruited 185 patients with TB through consecutive sampling. Subsequent to written informed consent, participants responded to an interviewer-administered pretested questionnaire. The questionnaire included questions on demographics, phone usage patterns, and the benefits of using of mobile phone technology to improve health outcomes and treatment adherence. Frequency, mean, median, and SD or interquartile range were used to describe the data. Bivariate associations were assessed between demographics, clinical details, phone usage, and mHealth communication preferences using the chi-square test and odds ratios. Associations with a P value ≤.20 were included in a logistic regression model. A P value of <.05 was considered significant.ResultsOf the 185 participants, 151 (81.6%) used a mobile phone, and half of them owned a smartphone. The primary use of the mobile phone was to communicate over voice calls (147/151, 97.4%). The short message service (SMS) text messaging feature was used by only 66/151 (43.7%) mobile phone users. A total of 87 of the 151 mobile phone users (57.6%) knew how to use the camera. Only 41/151 (27.2%) mobile phone users had used their mobile phones to communicate with their health care providers. Although receiving medication reminders via mobile phones was acceptable to all participants, 2 participants considered repeated reminders as an intrusion of their privacy. A majority of the participants (137/185, 74.1%) preferred health communications via voice calls. Of the total participants, 123/185 (66.5%) requested reminders to be sent only at specific times during the day, 22/185 (11.9%) suggested reminders should synchronize with their prescribed medication schedule, whereas 40/185 (21.6%) did not have any time preferences. English literacy was associated with a preference for SMS in comparison with voice calls. Most participants (142/185, 76.8%) preferred video-based directly observed treatment when compared with in-person directly observed treatment.ConclusionsAlthough mobile phones for supporting health and treatment adherence were acceptable to patients with TB, mHealth interventions should consider language, mode of communication, and preferred timing for communication to improve uptake.

Next Generation Technologies to Improve Post Crash Response Time and Quality

Next Generation Technologies to Improve Post Crash Response Time and Quality

Baseline Characteristics and Technology Training of Underserved Adults With Type 2 Diabetes in the Mobile Diabetes Detective (MoDD) Randomized Controlled Trial.

Purpose The purpose of this study is to describe the characteristics and technology training needs of underserved adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) who participated in a health information technology (HIT) diabetes self-management education (DSME) intervention. Methods The baseline physiological, psychosocial, and technology use characteristics for 220 adults with poorly controlled T2DM were evaluated. Intervention participants received a 1-time intervention training, which included basic technology help, introduction to the Mobile Diabetes Detective (MoDD) website and text message features, and account activation that included subject-specific tailoring. Four additional on-site sessions for participants needing computer or Internet access or technology support were made available based on need. Data regarding on-site visits for usual care were collected. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and bivariate analysis. Results The participants were predominately Hispanic and female with a baseline mean A1C of 10% (86 mmol/mol). Only half of the participants regularly used computers or text messages in daily life. The average introductory MoDD training session lasted 73.6 minutes. Following training, approximately one-third (35%) of intervention participants returned for basic and MoDD-specific technology assistance at their federally qualified health center. The most frequently reported duration for the extra training sessions was 30 to 45 minutes. Conclusions Training and support needs were greater than anticipated. Diabetes educators should assess technology abilities prior to implementing health information technology (HIT) diabetes self-management education (DSME) in underserved adults. Future research must invest resources in technology access, anticipate subject training, and develop new training approaches to ensure HIT DSME use and engagement.

Systematic review of mobile health behavioural interventions to improve uptake of HIV testing for vulnerable and key populations

Introduction This systematic narrative review examined the empirical evidence on the effectiveness of mobile health (mHealth) behavioural interventions designed to increase the uptake of HIV testing among vulnerable and key populations. Methods MEDLINE/PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Global Health electronic databases were searched. Studies were eligible for inclusion if they were published between 2005 and 2015, evaluated an mHealth intervention, and reported an outcome relating to HIV testing. We also reviewed the bibliographies of retrieved studies for other relevant citations. The methodological rigor of selected articles was assessed, and narrative analyses were used to synthesize findings from mixed methodologies. Results A total of seven articles met the inclusion criteria. Most mHealth interventions employed a text-messaging feature and were conducted in middle- and high-income countries. The methodological rigor was moderate among studies. The current literature suggests that mHealth interventions can have significant positive effects on HIV testing initiation among vulnerable and key populations, as well as the general public. In some cases, null results were observed. Qualitative themes relating to the use of mobile technologies to increase HIV testing included the benefits of having low-cost, confidential, and motivational communication. Reported barriers included cellular network restrictions, poor linkages with physical testing services, and limited knowledge of appropriate text-messaging dose. Discussion MHealth interventions may prove beneficial in reducing the proportion of undiagnosed persons living with HIV, particularly among vulnerable and key populations. However, more rigorous and tailored interventions are needed to assess the effectiveness of widespread use.

Possible effects of text messaging on Grade 11 EFAL learners’ written work

ABSTRACTThis study investigated the possible effects of text messaging on the written work of Grade 11 English first additional language learners at a public high school in Pretoria. It had 41 participants – 38 Grade 11 EFAL learners (n = 38, M = 10, F = 28, mean age = 17.4 years) and 3 female Grade 11 EFAL teachers. It used three sampling techniques to select participants: opportunistic purposeful, voluntary, and convenience sampling techniques. Some text message features which the study detected in two written learner activities were: shortenings; contractions; g-clippings; letter homophones; number homophones; no full stops; incorrect capitalisation; spelling errors; and non-conventional spelling errors (textism spelling errors). One of the findings of the study is that text message features as a percentage of the word count in both learner activities had a lower prevalence in and, therefore, a less negative effect on the written work of the learners.

User Preferences for a Text Message–Based Smoking Cessation Intervention

Younger adults are more likely to smoke and less likely to seek treatment than older smokers. They are also frequent users of communication technology. In the current study, we conducted focus groups to obtain feedback about preferences for a text message-based smoking cessation program from potential users. Participants (N = 21, M age = 25.6 years, age range = 20-33 years) were current or recently quit smokers (M cigarettes/day = 12.8) who used text messaging. Participants completed questionnaires and participated in a 2-hour focus group. Focus groups were conducted using an a priori semistructured interview guide to promote discussion of the content and functionality of the intervention. Major themes from analysis of the focus groups included support for the acceptability of a text-based cessation program, suggestions for a more technologically broad-based program, and adjustments to the program structure. Participants recommended including social networking functions, user control of program output through an online profile, and text message features to promote interaction with the system. Interestingly, many participants suggested the program should begin on individuals' identified quit day, challenging the procedures used in most cessation programs, which begin by preparing participants for a future quit date. Overall, younger adult smokers appear to be interested in participating in a smoking cessation program that uses text messages and web-based elements. Qualitative feedback regarding the perceived optimal features and structure of a technology-based intervention challenged traditional methods of implementing smoking cessation interventions and will inform the development of future programs.

Text-Message Reminders to Improve Sunscreen Use

To evaluate the effectiveness of cellular telephone text messaging as a reminder tool for improving adherence to sunscreen application. We conducted a randomized, controlled trial of the effect of an electronic text-message reminder system on adherence to sunscreen application. Adherence to daily sunscreen use was evaluated using a novel electronic monitoring device. Participants were recruited from the general community. Seventy participants constituted a volunteer sample from the general community. The inclusion criteria required participants to be 18 years or older, to own a cellular telephone with text-message features, and to know how to retrieve text messages. Intervention Half of the participants received daily text-message reminders via cellular telephone for 6 weeks, and the other half did not receive reminders. The text-message reminders consisted of 2 components: a "hook" text detailing daily local weather information and a "prompt" text reminding users to apply sunscreen. Main Outcome Measure The primary end point of the study was adherence to sunscreen application measured by the number of days participants applied sunscreen during the 6-week study period. All 70 participants completed the 6-week study. There were no statistically significant differences in baseline characteristics between the 2 study groups. At the end of the study period, the 35 participants who did not receive reminders had a mean daily adherence rate of 30.0% (95% confidence interval, 23.1%-36.9%). In comparison, the 35 participants who received daily text-message reminders had a mean daily adherence rate of 56.1% (95% confidence interval, 48.1%-64.1%) (P < .001). Among the participants in the reminder group, 24 (69%) reported that they would keep using the text-message reminders after the study, and 31 (89%) reported that they would recommend the text-message reminder system to others. Subgroup analysis did not reveal any significant demographic factors that predicted adherence. Despite awareness of the benefits of sunscreen, adherence is low, even in this population, for whom adherence was knowingly monitored. Short-term data demonstrate that using existing cellular telephone text-message technology offers an innovative, low-cost, and effective method of improving adherence to sunscreen application. The use of ubiquitous communications technology, such as text messaging, may have implications for large-scale public health initiatives. Trial Registration clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00535769.