To compare the effectiveness of text message versus voice call as a method of contact for providing results of diagnostic tests and assuring ongoing care from the pediatric emergency department.
The investigators plan to conduct a prospective randomized controlled trial to compare two means of contacting patients and their caregivers after discharge from the emergency department in order to provide results of tests: text messaging (intervention group) vs. telephone call (standard group).
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NON_RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Patient contact attempted with text message.
Number of phone call or text message attempts to successful contact with study participant
A study practitioner will make one attempt per business day to contact the patient or caregiver to provide test results and arrange follow-up care; the method will be determined by the study arm to which the participant is assigned. Participants in the standard practice control arm will receive a telephone call. If a call is not answered, a voice message will be left instructing the patient/parent to call the Pediatric Follow-Up Office. Participants in the intervention arm will receive a text message using the same script. A successful contact will be recorded when a practitioner speaks directly to the patient or parent/guardian via phone.
Time frame: Within 2 weeks.
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.