Nayak, Smitha and Nayak , Vinod C and Bakkannavar, Shankar M and Bagali, Ravi (2013) Are SMS reminders an antecedent to outpatient ‘Show-ups’? Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, 32 (32). pp. 1329-1332. ISSN 2230 – 7885

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Abstract

Attendance rate for hospital outpatient appointments plays a pivotal role in operational efficiency of a hospital. Strategic interventions like ‘reminder systems’ prior to the scheduled appointment has proved to be an effective strategy for outpatient appointment ‘show-ups’. This study is designed with an objective to assess the effectiveness of SMS reminders as an intervention to enhance the effectiveness of hospital outpatient attendance. Method: The survey was conducted at Columbia Asia Hosiptal, Bangalore.We surveyed 60 patients who had a scheduled outpatient appointment in Department of General Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and the Orthopedics department, as these departments had a heavy patient flow and had higher contributions to the top line of the hospital. Results: Majority (64%) of the patients preferred to be sent an SMS reminder on the outpatient appointment schedule.37 (61%) respondents stated that the ideally, reminders could be effective only if they are sent 24-48 hours prior to the appointment schedule. 41(68%) respondents were of the opinion that a minimum of two reminders would be necessary to ensure patients show up for the appointment. 1% level of significance. It also observed that there is strong association between age and preference on mode of reminder (P=0.002).

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	reminder systems; appointment show-ups; SMS reminders.
Subjects:	Management > MIM Manipal
Depositing User:	MIM Admin
Date Deposited:	28 Sep 2013 07:11
Last Modified:	12 Feb 2015 10:24
URI:	http://eprints.manipal.edu/id/eprint/137310

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