Veterans' response to an automated text messaging protocol during the COVID-19 pandemic. (4th July 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Saleem, Jason J; Read, Jacob M; Loehr, Boyd M; Frisbee, Kathleen L; Wilck, Nancy R; Murphy, John J; Vetter, Brian M; Herout, Jennifer
• Is Part Of: Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association. Volume 27:Number 8(2020)
• Page Start: 1300
• Page End: 1305
• Publication Date: 2020-07-04
• Subjects: COVID-19 -- coronavirus -- text messaging -- mobile app -- virtual care; Medical informatics -- Periodicals; Information Services -- Periodicals; Medical Informatics -- Periodicals; Médecine -- Informatique -- Périodiques; Informatica; Geneeskunde; Informatique médicale; Computer network resources; Electronic journals; 610.285
• DOI: 10.1093/jamia/ocaa122
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1067-5027

Abstract

Abstract: The US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is using an automated short message service application named "Annie" as part of its coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) response with a protocol for coronavirus precautions, which can help the veteran monitor symptoms and can advise the veteran when to contact his or her VA care team or a nurse triage line. We surveyed 1134 veterans on their use of the Annie application and coronavirus precautions protocol. Survey results support what is likely a substantial resource savings for the VA, as well as non-VA community healthcare. Moreover, the majority of veterans reported at least 1 positive sentiment (felt more connected to VA, confident, or educated and/or felt less anxious) by receiving the protocol messages. The findings from this study have implications for other healthcare systems to help manage a patient population during the coronavirus pandemic.