Pilot and feasibility test of adolescent-controlled text messaging reminders.
OBJECTIVE
This pilot study assessed the feasibility, acceptability, and utility of a text messaging system that allowed teenagers with asthma to generate and control medical reminders sent to their mobile phones.


METHODS
The 12 teens in the study group were able to create their own reminder text messages, add or change reminders, and determine when and how often the messages were sent to their cell phone.


RESULTS
In total, 18 of the 21 unique messages created were reminders to take medication. No teen made changes to their original text messages or delivery schedule on their own. They gave high ratings on the usefulness, acceptability, and ease of use of the text messaging system. Self-reported asthma control at baseline was similar for both the study and comparison groups and did not change significantly.


CONCLUSIONS
Allowing teens to control the timing and content of reminder text messages may support self-management of chronic disease.
Division of Adolescent Medicine, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229-3039, USA. maria.britto@cchmc.org
Maria T
MT
Britto
Jennifer Knopf
JK
Munafo
Pamela J
PJ
Schoettker
Anna-Liisa B
AL
Vockell
Janet A
JA
Wimberg
Michael S
MS
Yi
D000293:Adolescent; D018927:Anti-Asthmatic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D055118:Medication Adherence; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010865:Pilot Projects; D017010:Reminder Systems; D012648:Self Care / Q000379:methods*; D057566:Self Report; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D060145:Text Messaging
D018927:Anti-Asthmatic Agents