SHM Converge Scientific Abstract ePoster Gallery-Qualitative Analysis of an Automated Text Message-Based Post-Discharge Program

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This study evaluated a 30-day automated text-messaging program designed to support patients after hospital discharge and reduce acute care use. The original intervention was previously shown to lower 30-day readmissions and other acute care utilization. This qualitative analysis aimed to better understand when patients needed help after discharge and what kinds of problems the texting program addressed.<br /><br />The researchers reviewed “escalations,” meaning times when patients replied by text that they needed assistance. Each escalation was examined in the electronic health record to determine: how many days had passed since discharge, the reason for the patient’s concern, and the outcome of the intervention. The reasons and outcomes were then organized using the Ideal Transition of Care framework.<br /><br />Key findings showed that 75% of patient needs occurred within the first two weeks after discharge, highlighting this period as the highest-risk time. The types of issues patients raised were similar to those seen in other transition-of-care programs that rely on phone calls. Overall, patients used the texting system appropriately, and their concerns were generally relevant to primary care and within the scope of nursing practice.<br /><br />The authors concluded that automated text messaging can be a useful model for supporting safer hospital-to-home transitions. The results also provide insight into how such programs may be improved in future versions.

Asset Subtitle

Robert E. Burke

Meta Tag

Author List Aiden H. Ahn, Anna U. Morgan, David A. Asch, Eric Bressman, Judith A. Long, Katherine Honig, Nancy McGlaughlin, Robert E. Burke

Category Research

Concept Automated Text Messaging Intervention

Concept Hospital Discharge

Concept Acute Care Utilization

Concept Text Message Escalation

Concept Ideal Transition of Care Framework

Distinguished Non-Finalist

Presenter Organization University of Pennsylvania

Presenting Author Robert E. Burke

Track Transitions of Care

Keywords

automated text messaging

hospital discharge

post-discharge support

acute care utilization

readmission reduction

patient escalations

transition of care

nursing practice

primary care

care transitions

Automated Text Messaging Intervention

Hospital Discharge

Acute Care Utilization

Text Message Escalation

Ideal Transition of Care Framework