Texting Can Improve Health Care

The National Institutes of Health are exploring the possibility that texting could speed up decision-making in nursing homes and improve the quality of care, even reducing unnecessary hospitalizations.

The NIH is granting $1 million to MU researchers. Speedy decision-making is critical in preventing further health complications or deteriorations that often lead to expensive and even traumatic hospital transfers.

Researchers will be analyzing the effectiveness and best uses of a HIPAA-secure text messaging platform, Mediprocity, already tested and found beneficial.

The current technique of communication via fax and voice mail is not conducive to the rapid and complex response needed between nursing homes, physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and families.