SMS in Healthcare Statistics

A global survey* has revealed seven powerful statistics that prove the value of SMS in healthcare and the benefits of texting  by healthcare providers.

FICO, a leading predictive analytics and decision management software company, conducted the study. They examined consumer preferences and tendencies concerning mobile, online, and in-person interactions with healthcare providers.

The survey sought to discover if there was a real opportunity for the healthcare industry to reach out to their clients by text.

Here's what the survey found:

SMS in Healthcare: The Statistics

  • 80% of people want the option to use their smartphones to interact with healthcare providers.

  • 76% of people worldwide want text reminders of upcoming medical appointments.

  • 69% of people want to receive reminders to arrange medical appointments or receive medication prompts.

  • 56% of people globally trust healthcare organizations with personal data.

  • 66% of smartphone users want to receive medical advice via digital channels instead of visiting a doctor.

  • 71% of smartphone users are open to offers of relevant healthcare services from businesses.

  • 53% of people are open to provider-initiated communications.

  • 67% increase in scheduled appointment attendance when healthcare providers use SMS to connect with patients

SMS: The most cost-effective way to transform healthcare organizations

Just as more people want to interact with businesses directly by SMS, so these findings confirm that patients also want to connect with their healthcare providers by text. Moreover, they trust their healthcare providers with personal information.

And that's a good thing. Because right now, SMS represents the fastest and most cost-effective way for healthcare organizations to transform their businesses. 

For just pennies, SMS has the unrivaled ability to positively impact patient health outcomes, the quality of patient care, and organizational productivity. 

'Which is great!' I hear you cry, 'But don't US and European laws prevent me from texting my patients?'

No. Not at all.

Under HIPAA and GDPR regulations, healthcare organizations can communicate with their patients directly by text. In fact, they encourage them to do so. But they must text with care. 

To discover how to keep on the right side of regulators while using 2-way SMS for maximum advantage,  grab a copy of our FREE eBook, SMS in Healthcare.

*    FICO surveyed 2,239 adult smartphone users in the UK, Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Russia, Turkey, and the United States.


Questions? Ask the YakChat Team