Using no-cost mobile phone reminders to improve attendance for HIV test results: a pilot study in rural Swaziland.

This study investigates the use of a no-cost alternative mobile phone technology using missed calls to act as a patient reminder

Abstract

Mobile technology has great potential to improve adherence and treatment outcomes in healthcare settings. However, text messaging and phone calls are unaffordable in many resource-limited areas. This study investigates the use of a no-cost alternative mobile phone technology using missed calls (‘buzzing’) to act as a patient reminder. The use of missed calls as a patient reminder was evaluated for feasibility and effectiveness as an appointment reminder in the follow-up of newly-diagnosed human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positive patients in an HIV testing and counselling department in rural Swaziland.

This research is funded under the Department for International Development’s COMDIS-HSD Programme which is led by the University of Leeds.

Citation

Merav Kliner, Abigail Knight, Canaan Mamvura et al. Using no-cost mobile phone reminders to improve attendance for HIV test results: a pilot study in rural Swaziland. Infectious Diseases of Poverty. 2013; 2: 12. doi: 10.1186/2049-9957-2-12

Using no-cost mobile phone reminders to improve attendance for HIV test results: a pilot study in rural Swaziland

Published 1 June 2013