Explicit 15-minute arrival-time messages to help patients arrive on time
Official title: Arrival Time Implementation
Run by University of California, Los Angeles · NCT07314697 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project will test whether showing an explicit arrival time (15 minutes before the scheduled appointment) in MyChart and automated texts helps primary care patients arrive on time for in-person visits.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 300000 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of California, Los Angeles Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Los Angeles, California) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | January 5, 2026 |
| Main results expected | July 2026 |
| Study ends | July 2026 |
| Registry record updated | February 10, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07314697 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are patients with in-person primary care, pediatrics, or internal medicine appointments at UCLA Health who have an active MyChart account, are opted into SMS messages, and are scheduled for the specified visit types.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients without MyChart or SMS access, those scheduled at clinics not managed through UCLA's Patient Access Organization, and telehealth visits are unlikely to experience benefit from this intervention.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
Timely patient arrival is essential for efficient clinic flow and to ensure patients receive their full scheduled care. This prospective interventional project changes how appointment information is presented in MyChart and automated text messages, comparing explicit arrival-time messaging (set 15 minutes before the appointment) to the usual display of appointment time plus an instruction to arrive 15 minutes early. The work is implemented across outpatient primary care, pediatrics, and internal medicine departments at UCLA Health as part of a broader operational quality improvement initiative. Arrival timing for scheduled visits will be measured and compared between the intervention and control messaging conditions to determine the effect on punctuality.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this low-cost messaging change could increase on-time arrivals, reduce clinic delays, and preserve more face-to-face time with clinicians.
How similar studies have gone: Prior behavioral-message and reminder interventions have improved clinic attendance and punctuality, though explicit 'arrival time' framing is a somewhat novel application within that evidence base.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * In-person outpatient appointments with clinicians at UCLA Health that fall into the study period * Appointments scheduled for the department specialties of Primary Care, Pediatrics, or Internal Medicine, Med Peds * Has an active MyChart status * Opted in to receive SMS communications from UCLA Health * Appointments classified as the following visit types: * Return * Well adult (physical) * Well child return * New * Well adult new (physical) * Well child (new) Exclusion Criteria: * Appointments at clinics that are not scheduled through the Patient Access Organization
Where it's running
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UCLA Health Department of Medicine, Quality Office
Los Angeles, California, United States Recruiting
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.