Automated phone prompts can improve healthcare, concludes Cochrane review

Automated telephone systems may change certain health behaviours, improve health outcomes, and increase healthcare uptake, a Cochrane review of the evidence has found.1

Automated phone communication systems send voice messages and can in some cases collect health information from patients by using their telephone keypad or voice recognition software. These can be used in a range of ways including helping patients to take their medicines as prescribed, giving appointment reminders, and helping to increase the uptake of immunisation or cancer screening tests. They can also help in managing …