Use of Short Messaging Service for Hypertension Management: A Systematic Review

Background: Mobile phone Short Message Service (SMS) is a tool now used by the health research community, providing the capability for instant communication between patients and health professionals. Greater understanding of how to best use SMS as a means to improve healthcare delivery and outcomes will foster innovation in research and provide an opportunity to progress as a public health community. Purpose: The purposes of this systematic review are 2-fold: (1) to provide insight on the most used mobile phone SMS practices and characteristics in hypertension (HTN) outcome-focused publications and (2) to critically evaluate empirical evidence associated with SMS utilization and BP outcomes. Methods: Two independent systematic literature searches were completed. The final selected studies each then underwent data extraction and quality-rating assessment, followed by an evaluation for a meta-analysis to measure mean difference of the change in BP. Results: A total of 6 studies meeting the inclusion criteria were included in the review. Feasibility assessment for a meta-analysis was found unfavorable because of the variation among studies. Short Message Service interventions focused on BP management were most effective in studies featuring 2-way communication and individual patient-tailored content, and guided by evidence-based HTN management practices. Implications: Short Message Service interventions for HTN management were supported through evidence provided by the studies reviewed. Short Message Service holds strong potential to bring greater innovation to HTN management and care, especially in racial/ethnic minority populations that face psychosocial and structural barriers in healthcare access and utilization.