The impact of SMS reminders on adherence to medication and care plans after coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Issue 9 (2nd September 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bikmoradi, Ali; Omidvar, Safoora; Roshanaei, Ghodratollah; Khatiban, Mahnaz; Harorani, Mehdi
• Is Part Of: British journal of healthcare management. Volume 28:Issue 9(2022)
• Page Start: 238
• Page End: 244
• Publication Date: 2022-09-02
• Subjects: Adherence -- Care plan -- Coronary artery bypass graft surgery -- Medication -- SMS reminder; Health services administration -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; 362.1068
• DOI: 10.12968/bjhc.2021.0088
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1358-0574

Abstract

Abstract : Background/Aims: Coronary artery bypass graft surgery requires specialised long-term follow up, and non-adherence to a care plan may lead to complications. This study aimed to assess the effects of SMS reminders on adherence to medication and care plans among patients who had been discharged from hospital after coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Methods: A randomised controlled trial was performed in Iran, with eligible patients divided into an intervention ( n =40) and a control ( n =40) group. All participants completed a questionnaire measuring their adherence to their medication and care plan 1 day before discharge from the hospital. The intervention group received SMS reminders about their treatment plan plus routine care, while the control group received routine care only. The study lasted for 6 weeks. One week after the completion of the intervention period, both groups filled in the questionnaire again and the results were compared. Independent and paired t -tests were used to assess the significance of results. Results: There were no significant differences between the two groups before the intervention. Compared to baseline, the intervention group had significantly improved adherence to their medication and care plans ( P <0.001) after the intervention. These improvements were significantly greater than those seen in the control group ( P <0.001). Conclusions: An SMS reminder is a useful and cost-effective way to improve adherence to medication and care plans among patients discharged from hospital after coronary artery bypass graft surgery, as part of follow-up care.