Needs analysis and development of a tailored mobile message program linked with electronic health records for weight reduction.
OBJECTIVE
We developed and pilot-tested a personalized text messaging service program based on data from electronic health records (EHRs) and lifestyle questionnaires for weight control.


METHODS
In the health promotion center of a hospital, 340 participants with a body mass index (BMI) greater than 25 were recruited and surveyed for the development of a text messaging program. After developing the interface linking the EHRs with personalized text messages for weight loss, we pilot-tested this program in 102 participants for its feasibility, acceptability and satisfaction.


RESULTS
According to the needs analysis, the participants desired additional information about personalized nutrition and exercise. We selected many variables from the EHRs and questionnaires to create text messages with a more personalized program. After a 1-month trial of the text messaging program, the participants' satisfaction score was 7.9 ± 1.5 and recommendation score was 7.5 ± 1.8.


CONCLUSIONS
A personalized short message service (SMS) linked with EHRs was feasible, and the pilot test showed high satisfaction and recommendation scores. Further evaluation using a well-designed trial will be needed.
Department of Family Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Republic of Korea.
Ju Young
JY
Kim
Kee Hyuk
KH
Lee
So Hye
SH
Kim
Kyung Hee
KH
Kim
Jeong Hyun
JH
Kim
Jong Soo
JS
Han
Soo Seok
SS
Bang
Jong Hyuk
JH
Shin
Seong Hye
SH
Kim
Eun Joo
EJ
Hwang
Woo Kyung
WK
Bae
D015992:Body Mass Index; D057286:Electronic Health Records; D015444:Exercise; D006801:Humans; D050177:Overweight / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D060145:Text Messaging; D015431:Weight Loss
Electronic health record (EHR); Mobile phone; Obesity; Short message service (SMS); Weight reduction