Researchers sent semipersonalized lifestyle-focused text messages to patients in the Tobacco, Exercise and Diet Messages trial to determine the effect such a support program has on patient outcomes.
Patients in the intervention group received four text messages a week for six months in addition to usual care. The messages provided advice, reminders and support to help these patients change lifestyle behaviors.
After six months, researchers noted patients receiving the text messages reported reductions in systolic blood pressure and body mass index, as well as an increase in physical activity and a reduction in smoking.
“Among patients with coronary heart disease, the use of a lifestyle-focused text messaging service compared with usual care resulted in a modest improvement in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level and greater improvement in other cardiovascular disease risk factors,” the researchers concluded, adding, though, the duration of these effects continue on.
More articles on health IT:
Mayo Clinic CISO Jim Nelms resigns
The EHR market: 13 latest news updates
1.5M patient records exposed on Amazon Web Services
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.
