Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Clinical Trial
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Hospital discharge is a vulnerable moment often marked by poor communication and limited patient education. Information and Communication Technologies, like instant messaging, offer scalable tools to improve continuity of care and reduce rehospitalizations. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of an intervention designed to improve medication adherence, survival, and prevent rehospitalization through a post-discharge follow-up program. METHODS: A quasi-experimental study was conducted in adults discharged from general hospitalization or ambulatory surgery. The intervention group received four weekly educational messages via instant messaging; the pre-intervention group received only a follow-up form. Measured outcomes included response rate, medication adherence, appointment attendance, rehospitalization, and quality of life. RESULTS: 278 patients were included (154 pre-intervention, 124 intervention), with no major differences in age, sex, or residence. Orthopedics was the most common discharging specialty. Follow-up attendance was similar (84.03%). At 30 days, the probability of avoiding rehospitalization was 95.92% in the intervention group (95% CI: 89.49%-98.45%; p = 0.776). However, the intervention group showed a higher rate of non-response (20.97% vs. 5.19%; p < 0.001) and lower contact effectiveness (79.03% vs. 94.81%; p < 0.001). A significant shift toward messaging apps was observed during the intervention period (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: While messaging showed potential, findings underscore the continued importance of phone-based follow-up and the need for hybrid, patient-centered communication strategies. Future interventions should tackle engagement barriers and consider risk-based approaches with extended follow-up to maximize impact.
Language: English
Subfield: General Health Professions
Field: Health Professions
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7116702746