Improving orthopedic patient communication using text messaging

Patient Reported Outcomes Measures Pilot Grant for Orthopedic Patients

Not applicable Interventional Boston Medical Center · NCT04441567

This study is testing if using text messages to check in with orthopedic patients can help them stay engaged and track their recovery better.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment3000 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorBoston Medical Center Academic / other
Locations1 site (Boston, Massachusetts)
Trial IDNCT04441567 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to enhance communication with orthopedic patients by utilizing the Memora Health text messaging platform for administering Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) questionnaires. Participants will complete these questionnaires via SMS or a secure weblink on their mobile phones, allowing for better tracking of health status. The study will evaluate the effectiveness of these methods in improving patient engagement and will develop recovery curves based on the collected data over a year. In the second phase, the study will compare individual recovery against established benchmarks to optimize clinic visit schedules.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include patients with specific orthopedic conditions who have sustained injuries within the last three weeks and have access to a mobile phone.

Not a fit: Patients without a cellular phone or those who are unable to read or communicate effectively may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to more personalized and efficient care for orthopedic patients, improving their recovery experience.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using mobile technology for patient engagement, indicating that this approach could be effective.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Subjects that are classified by the Current Procedural Terminology/International Classification of Diseases (CPT/ICD)-10 Diagnosis Codes, having sustained the injury within 3 weeks of enrollment for non-operative treatment or will undergo surgery during the enrollment period:
* Ankle Fracture
* Distal Radius Fracture
* Tibial Plateau Open reduction internal fixation (ORIF)
* Spine Operative

  * Anterior cervical discectomy with fusion (ACDF)
  * Cervical Laminectomy
  * Lumbar Fusion
  * Lumbar Decompression
* Spine Non-operative

  * Lumbar Stenosis
  * Lumbar Degenerative Disc Disease
* Rotator Cuff Repair
* Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) Reconstruction
* Have personal use of cellular phone with access to the internet
* Speak either English or English as a primary language:

Exclusion Criteria:

* Limited and non-readers
* Vulnerable populations - incarcerated patients
* Patients with no cell phone to use for scoring

Where this trial is running

Boston, Massachusetts

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Orthopedic DisordersPROMPROMISMemora Health Text messaging platformSMSOrthopedic conditionsRecovery curvesRight-size clinic visits
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.