Given our fast-paced lives, we tend to forget things easily, doctor’s appointments being no exception to the rule. Most women cite forgetting as the common reason for missing their breast cancer screening appointments. Digital reminders are now available, so you don’t miss out on the screening schedule for breast cancer. These reminders can be used to encourage more frequent screening that can lead to early detection of breast cancer and help improve patient outcomes.
Different forms of digital reminders
- Text messages: Text messages that you receive on your mobile phones are a low-cost way of minimizing the number of missed appointments for your breast cancer screening. Also known as short message service (SMS), this means of communication is quick and easily understood by patients. Every time you receive a pre-screening reminder on your mobile in the form of an SMS, you can stay alert and not miss your screening appointment. It can play a significant role in boosting breast cancer screening attendance.
- Electronic Medical Records (EMRs): EMRs with your health care provider can be used as reminders for your breast cancer screening. These are easier to use and more effective than paper-based records. These days, patients prefer visiting those health care practitioners who use EMRs and digital reminders over conventional methods. It allows them to keep track of what was noted during the previous screening visit and when the next one is scheduled.
- Patient reminder system: This system includes pre-visit phone calls and re-screening phone calls to let patients know about their next scheduled breast cancer screening appointment. These may be direct calls or automated, pre-recorded voice messages. Such audio and digital patient reminders can help patients get the breast cancer screenings and follow-up care they need.
- Electronic mails: Sending e-mails to patients as reminders is an effective method of communication. It has been seen that breast cancer screening patients respond well to web-based reminders that ask them to schedule their annual mammogram appointment.
- Mammogram-specific applications: There are several iPhone or Android applications these days to assist women with their breast cancer screening appointments. Most of these apps are user-friendly and free to download from the App Store. This is another great way to remind yourself about your next annual mammogram schedule.
With the increasing use of modern technology, it has become important to switch to digital aids that can help boost healthcare. Gone are the days of waiting in long lines for hospital appointments or routine health check-ups. Thus, the digital era has made life easier for us by introducing digital reminders to keep track of our health.
References:
- 3 Breast cancer Apps for your phone. United Breast Cancer Foundation. 10 October, 2014. https://www.ubcf.org/3-breast-cancer-apps-phone/.
- Charles Beverley, Jr. Examining the role of Electronic Medical Record generated provider reminders on provider offering of breast cancer screening services. Scholar Commons, University of South Carolina. https://scholarcommons.sc.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2383&context=etd.
- Client (Patient) Reminders. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). https://www.cdc.gov/screenoutcancer/interventions/client-reminders.htm.
- Text message reminders boost breast cancer screening attendance. Cancer research UK. https://news.cancerresearchuk.org/2015/03/19/text-message-reminders-boost-breast-cancer-screening-attendance/.