When a Phone Call is better than a Text Message (the answer is … always …)

Technology continues to positively impact people and businesses around the world, and that is certainly true in healthcare.  From office visits to the operating room, all medical activities have been greatly enhanced with advancements in technology.  At the individual level, doctors and systems regularly use automated text messages to connect with patients for a variety of needs, from appointments to updates about recent procedures.

 

But is a text message the BEST option to connect with a patient?  Or better stated, is a phone call from a person BETTER than a text message?  The answer is … ALWAYS.  From appointment reminders to medication adherence to general well-checks, the connection between a live representative and the patient always delivers significantly better results.

 

Here’s why:

• Not everyone uses smartphones.  Text messages can be sent and received on all types of devices, but are most commonly related to smartphones (i.e.  iPhone, Android).  Yet almost 40% of the U.S. population 65 and older uses a “non-smart” cellphone.  Think flip-phone.  That’s what many senior citizens rely upon.  And getting a text message on a flip-phone is clumsy and often not even used.
• The habits of older citizens were established many years ago.  Studies show that regular routines are established and further solidified in younger ages, and that as time marches on, there is a less likelihood of adopting new methods.  Many older adults simply do not rely on technology to guide their lives.  Newspapers are a great example.  Even though news from around the world is available practically the minute it occurs, many older citizens prefer the printed newspaper.
• People are human beings.  Everyone responds better to a personal call or interaction … period.  The direct connection between another person is simply more effective than the impact of a quick, but unemotional and often one-way dialogue from a text message.

 

These are just a few reasons why a phone call is better than a text message in healthcare, and there are likely many others.  As systems and practices across the nation look for the best way to see more patients, the answer lies in a patient communications program that is based on live representatives reaching out to patients via phone calls.  Companies like PREMEDEX help hospitals and physician practices of all types connect with patients for a variety of needs, including annual wellness visits, post-discharge callbacks, care transitions, medication adherence and much more.

 

When thinking about connecting with patients, pick up the phone.  That’s always the best approach.

 

Contact PREMEDEX today to learn how we connect with hundreds of patients every day.