Use of Short Messaging Service for Hypertension Management: A Systematic Review

Background: Mobile phone Short Message Service (SMS) is a tool now used by the health research community, providing the capability for instant communication between patients and health professionals. Greater understanding of how to best use SMS as a means to improve healthcare delivery and outcomes will foster innovation in research and provide an opportunity to progress as a public health community. Purpose: The purposes of this systematic review are 2-fold: (1) to provide insight on the most used mobile phone SMS practices and characteristics in hypertension (HTN) outcome-focused publications and (2) to critically evaluate empirical evidence associated with SMS utilization and BP outcomes. Methods: Two independent systematic literature searches were completed. The final selected studies each then underwent data extraction and quality-rating assessment, followed by an evaluation for a meta-analysis to measure mean difference of the change in BP. Results: A total of 6 studies meeting the inclusion criteria were included in the review. Feasibility assessment for a meta-analysis was found unfavorable because of the variation among studies. Short Message Service interventions focused on BP management were most effective in studies featuring 2-way communication and individual patient-tailored content, and guided by evidence-based HTN management practices. Implications: Short Message Service interventions for HTN management were supported through evidence provided by the studi...
Source: Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing - Category: Nursing Tags: ARTICLES: Systematic Reviews Source Type: research