Reaching a global patient means more than just speaking their native language. You have to know HOW to reach them too.
What is the one thing you rarely see a teenager without?
That’s right: their cell phone.
It rings and bings constantly as text messages, Tweets and Facebook posts stream in.
If they happen to be one of the 186,300 people under the age of 20 who have diabetes, why not put that attachment to good use?
Historically, healthcare professionals have struggled to gain teen compliance, with little success; however, a recent study published in the Journal of Pediatrics suggests texting may be the way to make it happen.
Researchers used a program to send text messages to young liver transplant patients reminding them to take their medications. The results were “with text messaging, patients were more likely to take their medications than they had been before.”
Let’s apply this lesson. Whether you communicate in English, Spanish or Mandarin, the message is only effective if it reaches the intended target.
DUR 2T YR RX?
(Did you remember to take your medication?)
What is the one thing you rarely see a teenager without?
That’s right: their cell phone.
It rings and bings constantly as text messages, Tweets and Facebook posts stream in.
If they happen to be one of the 186,300 people under the age of 20 who have diabetes, why not put that attachment to good use?
Historically, healthcare professionals have struggled to gain teen compliance, with little success; however, a recent study published in the Journal of Pediatrics suggests texting may be the way to make it happen.
Researchers used a program to send text messages to young liver transplant patients reminding them to take their medications. The results were “with text messaging, patients were more likely to take their medications than they had been before.”
Let’s apply this lesson. Whether you communicate in English, Spanish or Mandarin, the message is only effective if it reaches the intended target.
DUR 2T YR RX?
(Did you remember to take your medication?)
Excellent post on using text messaging for medication reminders with teenagers. I'd have to agree with you that this is probably the best way to get a hold of, not only teenagers, but a growing majority of our population. At Globaltel Media, we've seen particular interest in appointment scheduling applications, as well as rehabilitation services via mobile video. And with your post it is easy to see the uses of SMS technology in healthcare are growing in implemntation. As patients become more mobile-centric, i.e. with texting technology, the benefits of mHealth will become much more prevalent and widely used in patient care. Thanks for the article.
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