Spain has been the first country in the world to use text messages (SMS) in the public healthcare. The project was successfully launched by SitMobile. Since IBsalud began using text messaging services, appointment cancelations have dropped by a 20%.
IBSalud has sent over half million text messages (SMS) to remind their patients of their doctor´s appointment.
According to the information provided by InSalud to Europa Press; the Balearic Islands: Son Dureta, Son Llàtzer and Manacor Hospitals have sent an average of 134.000 text messages (SMS) as reminders, since the service was first used back in July 2005. 20.530 text messages (SMS) were sent from Verge del Toro Hospital (Island of Menorca), while the number of messages sent in Can Misses has reached up to 52.066. Inca Hospital is still testing the service
This text messaging service (SMS) reminds patients of their appointments 3 days in advance. The appointment´s date and time are confirmed and cancelations are notified to the respective healthcare centers.
Spain has been pioneer in text messaging helping lowering the amount of daily canceled appointments at the Balearic Hospitals, reducing over a 20% the amount of visit cancelations. According to hospitals, this allows them to ease the appointment scheduling and the end, to better the service.
The Project is part of IBsalud´s introduction to new technologies, which began back in 2004. The IBsalud quotes “the purpose of using these technologies is to provide better communication between Spanish Citizens and the public healthcare system”.. In the near future, IBsalud will be providing a new service: reminding patients who suffer VIH virus of the date and time of their medication intake.