Document Type
DNP Project
Department
School of Nursing
Date of Degree
Spring 2026
Degree
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Primary Advisor
Billy Mullins
Keywords
Physical Therapy Appointments; Improving Patient Health Outcomes; Quality Improvement; Healthcare Reminder Systems
Abstract
Background: Missed therapy appointments in pediatric physical therapy clinics can negatively impact patient health outcomes and clinic revenue. This highlights the need for improved therapy appointment rates through the use of text message reminders, which research has shown to be a more convenient and effective method in improving appointment attendance rates.
Purpose: The purpose of this quality improvement project was to compare the effectiveness of a pediatric physical therapy current use of email reminders compared to a proposed intervention of text message reminders in reducing no-show rates and improving appointment attendance.
Methods: The intervention was implemented in three phases: staff education, training and intervention. Office managers verified caregiver cell phone information and sent out text message reminders two days prior to scheduled appointments. Descriptive analysis using Pre- and post-intervention for data collection and analysis was utilized. Quantitative data was obtained using the clinic’s electronic health system.
Results: 115 patients received text message reminders via caregivers. The data showed a reduction in no show rates (3.4%), below the projected 5% decrease and an increase in appointment attendance rate (3.6%), below the projected 5% increase. Standard deviation in attendance, (2.1) pre-intervention to (1.8) post intervention. Mean appointment attendance (4.2) met the projected aim of 3 3. for an increase in clinic revenue. Statistical analysis showed statistical significance (p < .001) for an increase in appointment attendance rate for text message reminders.
Conclusions: Text message reminders improved clinic attendance rates, reduced no-shows, and improved clinic revenue. Although projected goals were not fully met due to limitations such as transportation barriers, small sample size, patient illness, and therapist resignation, the findings still support the effectiveness of text message reminders. Recommendations for future studies should include transportation assistance programs and follow up strategies to improve patient adherence.
Copyright Notice
©2026 Nana Mensah. All rights reserved.
Recommended Citation
Mensah, N. (2026). The Effectiveness of Text Message Reminders on Improving Appointment Attendance Rates in a Pediatric Physical Therapy Clinic. , (). Retrieved from https://hsrc.himmelfarb.gwu.edu/son_dnp/208
Open Access
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