Physicians aren't staying engaged with patients after outpatient surgery despite the growing popularity of outpatient orthopedic procedures, according to new research published in the Rush Orthopedics Journal.
To better engage patients before and after surgery, physicians at an arthroplasty practice used a text-messaging bot to send text messages to patients. Over the course of 18 months, 1,400 patients enrolled in their physician's text messaging bot.
Here are the key research insights to know:
1. Of the patients enrolled in text messaging programs, 99 percent said the messages had a positive effect on their recovery.
2. Ninety-eight percent said they would recommend the service to a friend undergoing a similar procedure.
3. Ninety-six percent said they did not have to call the office because their questions were answered through text.
4. "In an era of high-volume surgery and reimbursement, clinicians are paying more attention to new products and services that improve patient engagement and the effectiveness of the perioperative surgical home," Researchers concluded. "A bot may be a good alternative because it is inherently easy to use by a broad spectrum of patients and providers."