Summary
- The Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service is expanding the use of SMS text messaging to contact patients for ongoing care.
- Executive Director of Medical Services Dr Marlow Coates said patients who had consented to communication via SMS already received SMS reminders for appointments the day before their appointment.
The Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service is expanding the use of SMS text messaging to contact patients for ongoing care.
Executive Director of Medical Services Dr Marlow Coates said patients who had consented to communication via SMS already received SMS reminders for appointments the day before their appointment.
“This has proved highly successful and has reduced the number of patients forgetting about their appointment and reminded those unable to attend to reschedule,’’ Dr Coates said.
“SMS reminders are well received by our patients and attendance rates have improved.
“As a result, we are expanding our text messaging service to include SMS recalls. This means we can SMS patients to advise that a doctor has reviewed their results and would like to discuss these further.
“Patients can then contact us to make an appointment.’’
No clinical information will be sent via SMS. The SMS reminder will look like this:
When the SMS is received, patients are encouraged to phone their primary health care centre to arrange an appointment.
Dr Coates said patients who would like to receive SMS recalls were encouraged to update their communications consent to include this option.
“We encourage our patients to ensure that they let us know their most up to date contact details every time they visit the clinic.
“This ensures that we can contact them to discuss results and any follow up required.
“Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service will continue to contact patients via secondary means such as phone calls, emails and home visits as appropriate to the clinical circumstances.
“We want to make sure you are aware of your important health information.
“Cape York, Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula Area residents often are living in areas with intermittent mobile phone coverage or travelling between locations without reception.
“Improving our text messaging service means communication can be delivered once they are back in reception.’’