Design and Integration of a Texting Tool to Keep Patients’ Family
Members Updated During Hospitalization: Family Members’
Perspectives.
J Patient Exp 2023;
10:23743735231154963. [PMID:
36968006 PMCID:
PMC10037736 DOI:
10.1177/23743735231154963]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/25/2023] Open
Abstract
While there is an evolving literature on the benefits of texting and
patient-centered technologies, texting initiatives have not focused on family
members. We sought to identify patients’ family members’ perspectives on
facilitators and barriers to using 1 digital texting innovation to promote
family-centered care during patients’ hospitalizations. This qualitative study
was conducted at a tertiary care center in Houston, consisting of 7 hospitals (1
academic hospital and 6 community hospitals), involving analyzation of 3137
comments from family members who used the digital texting technology. Thematic
analysis methods were used. The data analysis for loved ones’ feedback resulted
in 4 themes as facilitators: (1) inpatient text messaging keeps loved ones
updated and connected (n = 611); (2) inpatient text messaging allows for
stronger continuity of communication (n = 69); (3) messaging promotes a sense of
staff compassion and service (n = 245); and (4) messaging reduces phone calls
(n = 65). The data analysis resulted in 4 themes as barriers to text messaging
helpfulness: (1) messages could feel generic (n = 31); (2) inpatient texting was
not needed if all loved ones were regularly at bedside (n = 6); (3) messages
could have a perceived delay (n = 37); and (4) security features could impact
convenience (n = 29). Our findings indicate that family members and loved ones
value inpatient text messages, not only for the information the messages
provide, but also because the act of writing text messages and preparing loved
ones shows inclusiveness, compassion, and family-centered care.
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