Keywords

National Health Service, no-shows, out-patient, clinics, short message services, text messaging

Authors

1. Milne, Robin G.
2. Horne, Marilyn
3. Torsney, Ben

Abstract

Abstract: The ownership of cell phones and use of short message service (SMS) are sufficiently common in the United Kingdom to be exploited by health services providers. The study evaluates their use to reduce nonattendance at out-patient clinics. The impact is modest, but so also is the cost, about [pounds]7.50 ($13.13, [Euro sign]10.88) per "no-show" avoided.