Automated text message reminders did not increase colonoscopy attendance or bowel preparation quality, according to a study published in Jama Network Online Jan. 25.
Researchers conducted a randomized clinical trial with 753 patients; 386 were given usual care patient instructions, and 367 were given usual care instructions supplemented by nine automated text messaging interventions the week before an outpatient colonoscopy.
Researchers found no significant difference in the outcomes between groups with good or excellent bowel preparations.
They concluded: "This randomized clinical trial found no significant difference in appointment attendance or bowel preparation quality with an automated text messaging intervention compared with the usual care control. Future work could optimize the content and delivery of text message interventions or identify patient subgroups that may benefit from this approach."