Analysis of patient responses to a cardiovascular text-message based education program

Introduction Since the COVID pandemic we have implemented a text-message-based education and support program that patients can opt-into after discharge from cardiovascular services (hospital/clinic). The program address' cardiovascular risk factors and general heart health providing reminders and links to additional information. Responses and questions of the program are monitored by a health counsellor. The aim of this analysis was to evaluate patient responses to assess potential needs and educational interests among patient's post-discharge. Methods We analysed patient responses and categorised them according to response theme or intent. We describe the reasons for replies including frequency and percentage of total replies. Results Over the four years 22,403 patients were invited to participate in the post discharge Heart Health test-messaging program with 8506 patients accepting. 797 patients withdrew from the program before the 6-month completion date. There were 7567 responses received across this time period. 1,159 (15%) replies were for program admin, 1591 (21%) thanks, 1,143 (15%) directly related to the program content, 3,160 (42%) general comments and 514 (7%) other/blank/unrelated. Of the 15% directly related to the program, 47 (4%) were related to medication, 39 (3%) physical activity, 51 (5%) smoking/alcohol, 122 (11%) diet, 17 (1%) blood pressure and 867 (76%) were reporting symptoms on their general health. Conclusion Replies to the program indicate a cardiovascular text-message-based education was well received. From responses directly related to the program, needs identified included further information regarding common symptoms following a cardiac diagnosis as well as more information on diet.