Texts for Talking: Evaluation of a Mobile Health Program Addressing Speech and Language Delay

This study investigated the feasibility of utilizing text messaging to deliver developmental education to families. Parents of children aged 11 to 36 months with concerning language development were enrolled in a 3-month text messaging program. Pre–program and post–program telephone surveys were completed. All enrolled parents were of low socioeconomic status, and 48% were monolingual Spanish speakers. A total of 27 parents (87%) completed the program and follow-up survey. After program completion, parents reported increased awareness of language-promoting activities and local child development resources (P = .002; P = .005). Parents also reported increased engagement in language-promoting activities (P = .004). The marginal program cost was 37 cents per participant. Findings from this pilot study indicate that text messaging is a feasible, engaging, and inexpensive platform for delivering developmental education to families.

Source: Clinical Pediatrics - September 12, 2016 Category: Pediatrics Authors: Olson, K. B., Wilkinson, C. L., Wilkinson, M. J., Harris, J., Whittle, A. Tags: Articles Source Type: research