During primary care visits, patients often have immediate concerns and questions they are hoping to address. Often, conversations about overdue vaccinations, screenings and other preventive care needs can get pushed to the back burner.
To help ensure patients get the most out of their primary care visit, St. Louis-based Ascension tested digital nudges, or simple text messages sent prior to a patient’s visit. The messages were intended to better prepare patients for their visit by letting them know in advance about any preventive care on which they may be behind.
In a randomized trial involving 29,334 patient encounters across 76 primary care locations, Ascension researchers found the digital nudges led to improved outcomes:
- Among patients who received a brief message before their appointment, nearly 24% addressed preventive care needs during their visit. For patients who did not receive the nudge, 20.3% addressed care gaps.
- The digital nudge approach was also linked to better appointment engagement. Patients who received the messages were less likely to fail to show up or to cancel, and more likely to address primary care gaps within 90 days after their visit.
The findings were published May 27 in NEJM Evidence.
“Even when services are available, many patients delay or miss preventive care,” Mitesh Patel, MD, Ascension’s chief clinical transformation officer and lead author on the study, said in a news release. “Our digital nudge approach helps change that by making it easier for patients to take action and for clinicians to provide timely and proactive care. It not only encourages patients to come through the door but also helps streamline the appointment process and make each visit more meaningful.”
