A study in The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery examined the effects automated text messaging systems had during the recovery process in patients who underwent total joint arthroplasty.
The study comprised 159 patients, 83 of which were in the control group and 76 patients in the intervention group. The intervention group received short message service bots, or automated text messages.
Three study findings:
1. Patients in the intervention group were exercised more each day compared to the control group.
2. Additionally, the intervention group reported higher mood scores, stopped taking opioids 10 days sooner and placed fewer phone calls to their surgeon's office.
3. Patients who received the automated messages also were more likely to experience greater knee range of motion three weeks postoperatively.
"An SMS bot can improve clinical outcomes and increase patient engagement in the early postoperative period in patients undergoing hip or knee arthroplasty," the study authors concluded.