Using no-cost mobile phone reminders to improve attendance for HIV test results: a pilot study in rural Swaziland.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Mobile technology has great potential to improve adherence and treatment outcomes in healthcare settings. However, text messaging and phone calls are unaffordable in many resource-limited areas. This study investigates the use of a no-cost alternative mobile phone technology using missed calls ('buzzing') to act as a patient reminder. The use of missed calls as a patient reminder was evaluated for feasibility and effectiveness as an appointment reminder in the follow-up of newly-diagnosed human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positive patients in an HIV testing and counselling department in rural Swaziland.

Methods

This pilot study uses a before-and-after operational research study design, with all patients with mobile phones being offered the intervention. The prima

SUBMITTER: Kliner M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3710074 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature