Abstract
Objectives: The objective of this study was to evaluate controlled evidence on the impact of automated computer-based telephone messaging technology upon health outcomes, cost savings ond acceptance by patients, caregivers and core providers. Methods: Systematic searches of electronik databases were conducted to find controlled clinical studies of automoted phone messaging used in patient care. Studies were selected based on the three criteria: 1) rondomized controlled trials or controlled trials; 2) patients receiving health care related education, information, advice or reminder for a specific action to be token in their home setting; and 3) use of automated computer-based phone technology to deliver the messages. Informotion abstracted from studies included informotion about the institution, persans targeted, intervention and its effect on heolth outcomes, costs and acceptance by patients ond caregivers. Results. A total of nineteen studies were identified for review. Sixteen studies were randomized controlled trials and three were controlled studies with no randomizotion. Studies were ploced in twa categories, preventive care education and chronic care studies. Preventive core education studies covered childhood immunizations, medication compliance, influenza vaccinations, tuberculosis and health prevention activities and chronic care studies were related to cholesterol, diabetes, hypertension and congestive heart failure. More than 80% of studies showed significant impact upon measurable health outcomes. Conclusions: Controlled evidence substantiates the efficacy of automated telephone communication in improving the quality of care. Educational voice messages are acceptable to patients and represent an important opportunity to enhance telemedicine and telehealth applications.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 360-369 |
Number of pages | 10 |
Journal | Methods of Information in Medicine |
Volume | 41 |
Issue number | 5 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 2002 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Automated messaging systems
- Patient education
- Telehealth
- Telephone
- Voice mail
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Health Informatics
- Advanced and Specialized Nursing
- Health Information Management