CHULA VISTA, Calif. - Text messaging has become a daily routine for many, but now Sharp Rees-Stealy Medical Centers across San Diego County are using texting as a way to improve patient care.
Sharp Rees-Stealy medical providers implemented the Post-Hospital Discharge Texting Program as a pilot project last year. It quickly became a regular voluntary program for patients at all 22 of their locations.
Patients can simply agree to participate in the program, and Sharp Rees-Stealy will text such information as medication reminders, medical orders, appointment reminders and even moral support.
Patients are also able to text back questions.
"It's so much more efficient and convenient than getting on the phone and being on the phone for 15, 20 minutes," said Sharp Rees-Stealy primary case manager Olivia Oviedo.
"I can't even explain to you how much they have helped me," said Chula Vista resident Bertha Jones, who is being treated for hypertension. "They would just say we'll contact your doctor and we'll get back to you and it was a matter of just minutes."
Oviedo said the program has improved their efficiency in the clinic and patients are getting better treatment by having constant and direct contact with medical providers.
