Evaluating the use of real-time data collection using SMS texts in the SIMS study

Background

A recent innovation in Patient Reported Outcomes (PROs) collection is the use of SMS texts.¹ Results from a large randomised controlled trial (RCT) found this real-time data collection was both feasible and acceptable.

As part of the multicentre NIHR HTA funded SIMS study (Adjustable Anchored Single-Incision Mini-Slings Versus Standard Tension-Free Mid-Urethral Slings in the Surgical Management Of Female Stress Urinary Incontinence; A Pragmatic Multicentre Non-Inferiority Randomised Controlled Trial), we evaluated responses to a post-surgery pain diary comparing PROs collected via texts and paper. The study raised several interesting data collection.

Method

Participants (n= 189) were provided with a pain diary to complete on the 14-days post-surgery. If participants consented to receive texts, they also received daily texts to report their pain score and any painkillers taken. Responses to texts were free of charge.

Results

Results will be presented reporting response rates and comparison between pain scores between participants responding in both modes. The number of text responses that could not be matched to a text question will also be reported.

Discussion

Texts were an acceptable mode of response to participants with over 66% (n=126) responding by text. The number of responses reported in both modes that were identical and a possible explanation of the discrepancy will be discussed.

Data collection challenges will also be discussed including: where responses cannot be matched to a text question what happens with the unmatched data? If there is a discrepancy between participant's responses in both modes which data do you use?