The Effects of training through text messaging via cell phones on the compliance of patients undergoing hemodialysis

The hemodialysis effectiveness is depended on adherence to the therapeutic regimen recommendations. Every aberration from the therapeutic regimens, results to the severe clinical outcomes. Therefore, finding an effective teaching method is essential. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of training through text messaging via cell phones on the compliance of therapeutic regimens by the hemodialysis patients.
In this before and after quasi-experimental study, thirty hemodialysis patients had been selected through Simple Random Sampling method who were referred to Emam Ali Hospital of Bojnurd in 2016. One therapeutic regimen recommendation text message was sent for 4 weeks (28 Persian text messages per day). Data about the amount of serum phosphorus and potassium, interdialytic weight gain, and patient’s absence in the sessions were collected before and after sending messages. Statistical tests such as paired t-test were performed using the SPSS v 20.
There were significant differences in compliance of diet (p=0.002), medication regimen (p=0.003), and regular attendance at dialysis sessions (p=0.000) before and after training by text messaging via cell phones. There wasn’t any significant difference between fluid limitation compliance before and after training by text messaging via cell phones (p=0.759).
Regarding the effectiveness of text messaging and availability of this method for the majority of patients, planning for using this training method can be beneficial for the education of patients.