TXT 4 HEALTH: a systematic review of text messaging interventions in healthcare and its application to the development of an intervention for young people who self-harm
Helen Daniels (DECIPHer)
14.00, Tuesday 9 July. The Clubhouse, level 4
Introduction
Repetition of self-harm is an increasingly common reason for young people to attend hospital emergency departments. Despite this being a significant predictor of subsequent suicide, evidence-based treatments are lacking. Text-messaging holds a number of benefits including flexible location, visual anonymity and low cost. An intervention utilising this technology may prove effective for this patient group.
Objective
As per the Medical Research Council's guidelines, the first stage of developing a complex intervention is to identify the evidence base. A systematic review was conducted to answer the following question: What differentiates a successful text-messaging intervention from that of an unsuccessful one?
Methods
The 71 studies identified were categorised according to the causal mechanism(s) used to bring about change. Components of these interventions were explored to identify patterns in those demonstrating significant effects in the outcomes of interest compared with those demonstrating no difference.
Results
Patterns identified included, for example, the utilisation of multiple causal mechanisms, health behavioural theories, and strategies to maximise participant engagement.
Discussion
The application of these results to the development of a complex intervention for young people who repeatedly self-harm will be discussed.
Repetition of self-harm is an increasingly common reason for young people to attend hospital emergency departments. Despite this being a significant predictor of subsequent suicide, evidence-based treatments are lacking. Text-messaging holds a number of benefits including flexible location, visual anonymity and low cost. An intervention utilising this technology may prove effective for this patient group.
Objective
As per the Medical Research Council's guidelines, the first stage of developing a complex intervention is to identify the evidence base. A systematic review was conducted to answer the following question: What differentiates a successful text-messaging intervention from that of an unsuccessful one?
Methods
The 71 studies identified were categorised according to the causal mechanism(s) used to bring about change. Components of these interventions were explored to identify patterns in those demonstrating significant effects in the outcomes of interest compared with those demonstrating no difference.
Results
Patterns identified included, for example, the utilisation of multiple causal mechanisms, health behavioural theories, and strategies to maximise participant engagement.
Discussion
The application of these results to the development of a complex intervention for young people who repeatedly self-harm will be discussed.