Implementation and Evaluation of a Virtual Transitional Care Intervention Using Automated Text Messaging and Virtual Visits After Emergency Department Discharges: Retrospective Cohort Study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Emergency department (ED) overcrowding and avoidable revisits challenge health systems, with approximately 20% of patients returning within 30 days. ED-based transitional care interventions, including automated SMS text messaging, offer scalable, cost-effective means to improve follow-up, though evidence remains limited.

Objective

This study evaluated a transitional care intervention combining SMS text messaging and virtual transitional care visits to reduce ED revisits and improve outpatient follow-up.

Methods

This retrospective observational cohort study included patients discharged from 4 EDs within a single US health system between September 2023 and September 2024. Patients were categorized into two groups based on intervention engagements: (1) complet

SUBMITTER: Lee G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12571198 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature