Sign in Subscribe
Arthritis

Text-Based Messaging Improves Rheumatoid Arthritis Care

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Research from the University of Calgary has found that text-based messaging support can significantly improve rheumatoid arthritis (RA) care delivery by connecting patients with healthcare providers (HCPs) in an efficient and convenient manner. The study revealed that patients with higher care complexity were more likely to text HCPs more frequently, and messages were highly aligned with patient care needs. However, the nature and appropriateness of patient messaging in this new care model are still unknown.

Key Takeaways:

  • Text-based messaging support can improve RA care delivery by connecting patients with HCPs in an efficient and convenient manner.
  • Patients with higher care complexity had a higher frequency of texting HCPs, and messages were highly aligned with patient care needs.
  • A total of 1404 text messages were sent by patients, with 257 messages requiring a response.
  • The study found that three main themes for texting topics emerged: RA symptom reporting, medication management, and COVID-19 questions.
  • Qualitative content analysis was conducted to thematically categorize and quantify common words and phrases.
  • Regression analysis was conducted to determine if a relationship existed between the number of text messages and age, sex, care complexity, number of medications, and burden of comorbidities.

Statistics:

  • A total of 1404 text messages were sent by patients.
  • 257 messages required a response from HCPs.
  • The study found a significant association between care complexity and texting frequency (p = 0.025).
  • Patients with higher complexity texted HCPs more frequently.
  • The study analyzed the frequency and nature of text messages patients sent to their HCPs over a 6-month period.

Sources:

  • NewsRx. Data on Rheumatoid Arthritis Discussed by Researchers at University of Calgary (Text-based messaging to support rheumatoid arthritis care: an analysis of frequency and content of text-messages). Medical Letter on the CDC & FDA. November 2, 2025; p 558.

Read more