Automated Caller and Text Message Reminders for Reducing Appointment No-Shows

This study is focused on improving the attendance rate of patients at their scheduled outpatient appointments. Penn Medicine has noticed that less than 75% of these appointments are completed, which can cause longer wait times and reduce access to care. To address this, the study is testing if adding an automated phone call to the existing text message reminders can help reduce the number of missed appointments. The target group includes patients who are identified as having a higher risk of not showing up, according to a specific risk model. By finding a more effective reminder method, the study aims to improve appointment completion rates and enhance the efficiency of healthcare operations. During the study, participants are divided into two groups. One group receives the usual text message reminder, while the other gets both the text and an automated phone call. All participants are patients who have already agreed to receive text reminders and have an in-person appointment during the study. The study lasts for two weeks, and throughout this period, researchers track whether patients confirm, cancel, or miss their appointments. The outcomes of this trial will help Penn Medicine decide on the most effective reminder strategy to use in the future, potentially leading to better appointment adherence and healthcare service efficiency.