JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

The coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) has placed strains on communities. In the midst of this public health crisis, health systems have created remote methods of monitoring symptom progression and delivering care virtually.

Objective:

Using a text message-based system, we sought to build and test a remote model to explore community needs, connect individuals to curated resources, and facilitate community health worker intervention when needed during COVID-19. The primary aims of this pilot study were to establish the feasibility (ie, engagement with the text line) and acceptability (ie, participant ratings of resources and service) of delivering automated wellbeing resources via smartphone technology.

Methods:

Eligible patients (18 years or older, cell phone with SMS capability, and recent ED visit) were identified using the EHR. Patients were consented to enroll and begin receiving COVID-19 related information and links to community resources. We collected open- and close-ended resource and mood ratings. We calculated the frequencies and conducted thematic review of open-ended responses.

Results:

In seven weeks, 356 participants were enrolled; 13,917 messages were exchanged including 333 resource ratings (mean 4) and 673 well-being scores (mean 6.8). We received and coded 386 open-ended responses, most elaborated upon their self-reported mood score (29%). Overall, 77% of our participants rated the platform as a service they would highly recommend to a family member or friend.

Conclusions:

This approach is designed to broaden the reach of health systems, tailor to community needs in real-time, and connect at-risk individuals with robust community health support.