Effectiveness of SMS reminders on improving follow-up rate of hypertensive patients during COVID-19 pandemic: An interim analysis of randomized controlled trial

ABSTRACT

Background@#Non-communicable diseases are a challenge to manage, more so during the COVID-19 pandemic. SMS-text messaging can be part of the solution, although more studies are needed.@*Objective@#Researchers evaluated the effectiveness of sending SMS reminders on different time intervals from the scheduled follow-up among hypertensive patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.@*Methods@#This is an interim analysis using a multi-clinic, three-armed, blinded, randomized controlled trial. 65 participants from two primary care facilities were recruited. Group A and B were sent SMS reminders three days and one day prior to their follow up appointment, respectively. Participants randomized to group C were not sent SMS reminders. Primary outcome measured was the difference between the follow-up rates of the three study arms. Intention to treat analysis was done.@*Results@#Follow-up rates for groups A, B, and C were 23.81%, 6.25%, and 19.05% respectively. Compared to the control group, participants in group A were likely to follow-up, while group B were less likely to follow-up (RR= 0.94 and 1.16 respectively). Comparing the two treatment arms, group A showed 19% risk reduction in non-attendance compared to group B (RR=0.81). The researchers failed to demonstrate statistical significance (p = 0.361024) between the three study arms.@*Conclusion@#This interim analysis shows a possible benefit of sending SMS reminders three days before scheduled follow-up. More robust conclusion can be made once more participants are added to the study. Longer time interval for sending SMS reminders, longer follow-up schedule, and broader inclusion criteria are recommended for future studies.