Using text messaging to improve follow-up care for male circumcision clients in South Africa
Expanding and Scaling Two-way Texting to Reduce Unnecessary Follow-Up and Improve Adverse Event Identification Among Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision Clients in the Republic of South Africa
This study is looking at how two-way texting can help doctors and men who have had circumcision in South Africa stay in touch, making it easier for those who are healing well to skip extra visits while still getting quick help if they need it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10816496 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of two-way texting to enhance communication between healthcare providers and male circumcision clients in South Africa. By allowing men who are healing well to opt-out of unnecessary follow-up visits, the study aims to reduce the burden on healthcare systems while ensuring that those who may experience complications receive timely care. The approach focuses on improving efficiency in healthcare delivery, particularly in high-volume urban clinics. The methodology involves implementing a texting system that prioritizes follow-up for patients at risk of adverse events, thereby streamlining the care process.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are men undergoing voluntary medical male circumcision in South Africa.
Not a fit: Patients who are not undergoing circumcision or those with existing complications may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more efficient healthcare delivery and improved patient experiences for men undergoing circumcision.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown success with similar texting approaches in Zimbabwe, indicating potential for replication in South Africa.
Where this research is happening
Seattle, United States
- University of Washington — Seattle, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Feldacker, Caryl — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Feldacker, Caryl
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.