NHS population screening: effective text message use
Evidence-based principles for the effective use of screening appointment text message reminders in reducing inequalities and supporting informed choice.
Applies to England
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These principles were developed as part of the national screening inequalities strategy to support NHS screening providers to make the most effective use of text message (SMS) reminders for screening appointments.
The guidance incorporates the findings of a joint research project between Public Health England (PHE) and the Institute of Global Health Innovation (IGHI) at Imperial College London to develop consensus around text message reminders in screening.
The preliminary work into developing the guidance took place before the full impact of the COVID-19 pandemic upon services was clear. However, consensus rounds of research were conducted following lessons learned and changes to messaging practice. As such the guidance incorporates lessons and experiences from communication, public health and academic experts from the pandemic.
The ultimate aim was to create principles that would be relevant to NHS screening programmes whether during a pandemic or not.
Last updated 5 April 2022 + show all updates
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Guidance updated to incorporate findings of joint research project between PHE and Imperial College London to develop consensus around text message reminders in screening. New and updated principles are 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.9, 3.6, 3.9, 4.3, 4.4, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8 and section 6 (Research).
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First published.