Improving orthopedic patient communication using text messaging
Official title: Patient Reported Outcomes Measures Pilot Grant for Orthopedic Patients
Run by Boston Medical Center · NCT04441567 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 3000 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Boston Medical Center Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Boston, Massachusetts) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | May 10, 2021 |
| Main results expected | June 2029 |
| Study ends | June 2029 |
| Registry record updated | October 7, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT04441567 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a 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.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients without a cellular phone or those who are unable to read or communicate effectively may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: Other studies have shown promise in using mobile technology for patient engagement, indicating that this approach could be effective.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
-
Boston Medical Center
Boston, Massachusetts, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Paul Tornetta III, MD — Boston Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Paul Tornetta III, MD
- Email: Paul.Tornetta@bmc.org
- Phone: 617 414 5757
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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.