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GPs use text messages to urge smokers to kick deadly habit
TEXT messages are being used by Islington GPs in an attempt to get smokers to kick their habit.
New research shows that using text messages as a reminder is six times more effective than traditional methods employed to contact patients.
Islington practices recently sent out messages to 200 patients using software called iPLATO, asking: “Pls. text back current non smoker; smoker & are you ready to quit?”
The response rate for those responding to the texts is 30 per cent as opposed to five per cent for those who receive letters.
It is estimated that 33.5 per cent of the borough’s adult population smoke.
Approximately 39 people per 10,000 die of smoking-related causes in Islington every year – a rate higher than the London average.
Charlotte Blyth, practice manager of the Elizabeth Avenue Surgery, off New North Road, said: “Using letters and even calling up patients to invite them to the surgery is a huge drain on surgery resources and staff time.
“With the iPLATO system we can contact hundreds of patients instantly without having to stuff a single envelope.”
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