A study, published in Gastroenterology, examined if text message reminders improved bowel preparation before outpatient colonoscopies.
Researchers conducted a prospective, randomized, double-blind study between two institutions and 155 patients. About 60 patients received standard instructions with five text message reminders. Another 95 patients received standard instructions, including a phone call before the procedure.
There was no statistical difference in bowel preparation score or procedure duration between the two groups. Both groups had similar education levels.
Researchers concluded, "These results suggest that the addition of text messages to the standard colonoscopy instructions did not improve the quality of bowel preparation. Variables such as the quality of our standard instructions and the time from scheduling to colonoscopy may have had an impact on our results."
The researchers did note the average time from scheduling to execution was between five to six weeks. Interval duration could potentially boost reminder effectiveness.