title: Text messages as a reminder aid and educational tool in adults and adolescents with atopic dermatitis: a pilot study.
abstract: Optimal management of atopic dermatitis (AD) requires patients to adhere to self-care behaviors. Technologies, such as cell phones, have been widely adopted in the USA and have potential to reinforce positive health behaviors. We conducted a pilot study with 25 adolescents and adults age 14 years and older [mean 30.5 yrs, SD 13.4] with AD. Daily text messages (TMs) that provided medication reminders and AD education were sent for six weeks to participants. Our goals were to (1) measure changes in pre- and posttest scores in treatment adherence, self-care behaviors, disease severity, and quality of life and (2) assess the usability and satisfaction of the TM system. Significant improvements in treatment adherence, self-care behaviors, skin severity, and quality of life (P ≤ .001, .002, <.001, and .014, resp.) were noted postintervention. User feedback on the TM system was positive with 88% and 92% of participants reporting that the reminder TMs and educational TMs were helpful, respectively. In conclusion, study participants were receptive to using TMs as a reminder aid and educational tool. The positive trends observed are promising and lay the ground work for further studies needed to elucidate the full potential of this simple and cost-effective intervention.
authors.affiliation: Research Department, Center for Connected Health, 25 New Chardon Street, Suite 400D, Boston MA 02114, USA.
authors.forename: Venessa
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Pena-Robichaux
authors.forename: Joseph C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Kvedar
authors.forename: Alice J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Watson