Implementation and Utility of an Automated Text Messaging System to Facilitate Symptom Self-Monitoring and Identify Risk for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Depression in Trauma Center Patients

Abstract

Background and Introduction:

Comprehensive monitoring and follow-up after traumatic injury is important for psychological recovery. However, scalable services to facilitate this are limited. Automated text message-based symptom self-monitoring (SSM) may be a feasible approach. This study examined its implementation and utility in identifying patients at risk for mental health difficulties after traumatic injury.

Materials and Methods:

Five hundred two patients admitted to a Level I trauma center between June 20, 2016 and July 31, 2017 were offered enrollment in a text message-based SSM service. Patients who enrolled received daily text message prompts over 30 days and most participated in a mental health screening 30 days postbaseline.

Results:

Approximately 67% of patients enrolled in the service; of these, 58% responded to the text messages, with an average response rate of 53%. Younger patients and those with elevated peritraumatic distress were more likely to enroll. Patients with higher levels of mental health stigma, who were White, or had been in a motor vehicle collision were more likely to enroll and respond to text messages once enrolled. Patients' daily ratings of distress detected clinically elevated 30-day mental health screens with high sensitivity (83%) and specificity (70%).

Discussion and Conclusions:

Text message-based SSM can be implemented as a clinical service in Level I trauma centers, and patient participation may increase engagement in mental health follow-up. Further, it can inform the use of risk assessments in practice, which can be used to identify patients with poor psychological recovery who require additional screening.