Key Takeaways on Patient Appointment Reminder Templates Effective patient reminders focus on essential information  (doctor, date, time, location) while maintaining HIPAA compliance and including clear response options  to improve patient experience. A strategic three-stage reminder approach  significantly reduces missed appointments while avoiding message fatigue . Appointment reminders help practices maintain full schedules  through timely confirmations  and easy rescheduling options  that are convenient for patients. Customizing templates by specialty  (primary care, dental, mental health, specialist) demonstrates understanding of unique patient needs and preparation requirements . The most successful reminder systems balance thoroughness with restraint  to help your patients remember appointments without overwhelming them  with excessive communications. What Makes an Effective Patient Appointment Reminder? The best patient appointment reminder templates keep things simple while giving patients exactly what they need. Instead of overwhelming them with details, focus on the essentials: doctor name , appointment date , time , and location . This straightforward approach works especially well for text messages where HIPAA compliance is crucial - you'll want to limit protected health information to just these basics. Getting patients to respond matters too. A clear " Reply Yes/No " prompt or easy-to-use confirm/cancel options dramatically improve response rates. And why not make life easier for your tech-savvy patients? Adding an " Add to Calendar " link lets them transfer appointment details to their calendar with one tap. This respectful approach builds trust while keeping you compliant with messaging regulations. Your practice's personality should shine through in your reminders, but always keep the tone friendly  and accommodating . Patients respond much better to messages that feel like they're coming from real people rather than an automated system. Focus on creating appropriate urgency  without causing anxiety, clear response instructions , and personalization  that makes each patient feel valued. When to Send Patient Appointment Reminders Timing is everything with appointment reminders. Research shows a three-stage approach  works best: one reminder five days out, another three days  before, and a final reminder 1 day  before the appointment. This strategic approach keeps appointments on your patients' radar without becoming annoying. For email communications specifically, aim for those key transition periods when people typically check messages: early morning ( 8 AM ), lunch break ( 1 PM ), end of workday ( 4 PM ), or during commutes home ( 6 PM ). That final reminder within 24 hours  serves as your last defense against no-shows , giving patients time to make any last-minute arrangements they need. For patients with regular weekly appointments , consistency in your timing helps them develop expectations about when they'll hear from you. The perfect reminder strategy balances being thorough without overwhelming your patients. After appointments - especially missed ones - a thoughtful follow-up with clear rescheduling options helps recover potentially lost appointments and keeps your schedule full. Text Message Appointment Reminder Templates Initial Scheduling Confirmation Template A simple confirmation might read: "Your appointment with Dr. [Doctor Name]  is confirmed for [Date]  at [Time] . Call [Phone Number]  if you need to reschedule. Thank you!" When patients need to prepare for their visit: "Hello [Patient Name] , your appointment is scheduled with Dr. [Doctor Name] on [Date]  at [Time] . Please bring your insurance card and ID. Fast for 8 hours before your visit." For new patients, a welcoming approach works well: "Welcome to [Practice Name] ! Your first appointment is confirmed for [Date]  at [Time] . Please arrive 20 minutes early to complete paperwork or complete forms online: [Link] ." 3 Day Confirmation Templates A basic reminder three days out: "Reminder: You have an appointment in 3 days on [Date]  at [Time]  with Dr. [Doctor Name] ." When location details matter: "Your appointment is in 3 days at [Practice Name]  located at [Address] . GPS link: [Map Link] . Free parking available in Lot B. Reply YES to confirm." For appointments requiring preparation: "Your appointment with Dr. [Doctor Name]  is in 3 days. Remember to bring your medication list and wear comfortable clothing. Nothing to eat 8 hours before. Reply YES to confirm." 24-Hour Reminder Templates A standard day-before message: "This is a reminder about your appointment tomorrow at [Time]  with Dr. [Doctor Name] . We look forward to seeing you! Call [Phone number] to reschedule." When you need confirmation: " [Patient Name] , your appointment is scheduled for tomorrow at [Time] . Please reply YES to confirm you'll be attending or NO if you need to reschedule." For appointments with special arrival instructions: "Your appointment tomorrow at [Time]  with Dr. [Doctor Name]  is confirmed. Please arrive 15 minutes early. Parking available in Garage A (levels 2-4)." Email Appointment Reminder Templates Email reminders give you more space to communicate important details  while maintaining a professional appearance . Unlike text messages , emails allow for better formatting , branding elements , and more comprehensive instructions . Initial Confirmation Email Templates Subject: Appointment Confirmation: [Date]  with Dr. [Doctor Name] Dear [Patient Name] , Thank you for scheduling an appointment with us. Your appointment details are: Date: [Appointment Date] Time: [Appointment Time]  Provider: Dr. [Doctor Name]  Location: [Practice Name] , [Address] Please prepare for your visit: Complete the attached new patient forms or access them online: [Link] Bring your insurance card  and photo ID Arrive 15 minutes before your appointment time [Any specific preparation instructions] To reschedule, please call [Phone Number]  or use our online portal: [Booking Link] . Please note that cancellations with less than 24 hours' notice may incur a $[Amount]  fee. [Add to Calendar Button] We look forward to seeing you! Sincerely, [Practice Name] Team One-Week Reminder Email Templates Subject: Your Upcoming Appointment: [Date]  at [Practice Name] Hello [Patient Name] , This is a friendly reminder that you have an appointment with us next week:When: [Day] , [Date]  at [Time]  Provider: Dr. [Doctor Name]  Where: [Practice Address] Important reminders: [Any specific preparation instructions (fasting, medication, etc.)] Please bring your current insurance card  and photo ID Payment of $[Amount] co-pay will be collected at check-in Plan to arrive 15 minutes early  to complete any remaining paperwork If you need to reschedule, please use our online scheduler: [Link]  or call [Phone Number]  at your earliest convenience. We look forward to seeing you next week! Best regards, [Practice Name] [Contact Information] 24-Hour Reminder Email Templates Subject: TOMORROW: Your Appointment with Dr. [Doctor Name] Dear [Patient Name] , This is a reminder that your appointment is scheduled for tomorrow:Date: [Tomorrow's Date]  Time: [Appointment Time]  Provider: Dr. [Doctor Name]  Location: [Practice Address]   [Google Maps Link] Parking Information: Free parking is available in the [Location]  garage. Please take a ticket and bring it to our office for validation. Please remember to bring: Insurance card and photo ID List of current medications [Any specific items needed] [Any preparation requirements] For virtual appointments: Click this link 5 minutes before your appointment time: [Virtual Meeting Link] . Test your connection ahead of time: [Test Link] If you need to cancel or are running late, please call us at [Phone Number]  as soon as possible.We look forward to seeing you tomorrow! Regards, [Practice Name] Team Post-Appointment Templates Subject: Thank You for Your Recent Visit to [Practice Name] Hello [Patient Name] , Thank you for visiting [Practice Name]  on [Date of Visit] . We appreciate the opportunity to care for your health needs . As discussed during your appointment, Dr. [Doctor Name]  recommends: [Follow-up recommendation] [Treatment plan summary] [Any additional instructions] Your next appointment should be scheduled within [Timeframe] . You can book online here: [Scheduling Link]  or call [Phone Number] . We value your feedback! Please take a moment to complete our brief 2-minute survey : [Survey Link] For your reference, we've included some helpful resources related to your treatment: [Resource Link/Attachment] If you have any questions about your visit or treatment plan, please don't hesitate to contact us at [Phone Number]  or [Email] . Wishing you the best of health, [Doctor Name] [Practice Name] Specialty-Specific Reminders Different medical specialties have unique needs that should be reflected in their appointment reminders. The templates below address the specific requirements of various practice types . Primary Care Templates Primary care reminders should balance thoroughness  with simplicity . Patients often need preparation instructions like fasting requirements , but too much medical jargon can cause confusion. Clear location details  and arrival time instructions  help streamline check-in, while easy rescheduling options reduce no-shows. Text Message Template - Annual Physical: "Hi [Patient Name] , your annual physical with Dr. [Provider Name]  is scheduled for [Date] at [Time] . Please fast for 12 hours  before your appointment. Bring your insurance card  and medication list . Reply YES to confirm or call [Phone Number]  to reschedule." Email Template - Follow-up Appointment: Subject: Your Follow-Up Appointment with Dr. [Provider Name] Dear [Patient Name] , This is a reminder of your upcoming follow-up appointment: Date: [Appointment Date] Time: [Appointment Time]  Provider: Dr. [Provider Name]  Location: [Practice Address] This appointment is to follow up on your recent [general reference to visit type] . Please bring: Updated list of medications Any new symptoms or concerns to discuss Your insurance card  and ID If you need to reschedule, please call [Phone Number]  or visit our online portal at [Website Link] . We look forward to seeing you soon! Regards, [Practice Name]  Team Dental Templates Dental reminders benefit from a warm, friendly tone that helps reduce anxiety  many patients feel about dental visits. Including appointment duration  helps patients plan their day, while specific preparation instructions  like brushing beforehand and avoiding certain foods improve their experience and treatment outcomes. Text Message Template - Routine Cleaning: " [Patient Name] , a friendly reminder of your dental cleaning on [Date]  at [Time] with Dr. [Dentist Name] . Your appointment will last approximately 45 minutes . Please brush before arriving. Reply C to confirm or call [Phone Number]  to reschedule." Email Template - Treatment Appointment: Subject: Your Upcoming Dental Treatment Appointment Hello [Patient Name] , We're confirming your upcoming dental treatment: Procedure: [Type of Treatment] Date: [Appointment Date]  Time: [Appointment Time]  Provider: Dr. [Dentist Name]  Duration: Approximately [Time Length] Important reminders: Please arrive 10 minutes early to complete any necessary paperwork Bring your insurance card and ID Your estimated patient portion is $[Amount] Avoid eating for 2 hours before your appointment If you have any questions or need to reschedule, please call us at [Phone Number] . Looking forward to seeing you! The Team at [Dental Practice Name] Mental Health Templates Mental health reminders require extra attention to privacy  and supportive language . The focus should be on making patients feel comfortable while minimizing references to the specific nature of their care. Clear instructions for virtual sessions have become especially important as telehealth options  have expanded. Text Message Template - Therapy Session: "Hello [Patient Name] , this is a reminder of your 50-minute session  with [Therapist Name] tomorrow at [Time] . Your privacy is important to us. Reply YES to confirm or NO to reschedule. Call [Phone Number]  with any questions." Email Template - Telehealth Session: Subject: Your Upcoming Virtual Session Hi [Patient Name] , This is a confirmation of your upcoming online therapy session: Date: [Session Date]  Time: [Session Time]  Provider: [Therapist Name]  Duration: 50 minutes To join your secure video session: Click this link 5 minutes  before your appointment: [Secure Link] Ensure you're in a private space  with reliable internet Test your camera  and microphone  in advance Our cancellation policy requires 24-hour notice . To reschedule, please call [Phone Number] . Looking forward to our session, [Therapist Name]   [Practice Name]   Specialist Consultation Templates Specialist appointments often involve complex preparation instructions  and longer visits . Your reminders should provide detailed guidance about any special requirements like fasting or medication adjustments , while also helping patients navigate potentially unfamiliar medical facilities and preparing them for what to expect during their visit. Text Message Template - New Consultation: "Hi [Patient Name] , your consultation with [Specialist Name]  is scheduled for [Date] at [Time] . Please bring referral forms , recent test results , and insurance card . Arrive 20 minutes early . Reply YES to confirm or call [Phone Number]  with questions." Email Template - Testing/Procedure Preparation: Subject: Important Preparation Instructions for Your Upcoming Procedure Dear [Patient Name] , Your appointment for [Procedure Name]  is confirmed for: Date: [Procedure Date]  Time: [Procedure Time]  Specialist: Dr. [Specialist Name]  Location: [Facility Name] , [Address] Critical preparation instructions: Fast for [Number] hours before your procedure Stop taking [Medication Types] 48 hours  before (consult with your primary doctor) Arrange for someone to drive you home afterward Wear comfortable clothing with easy access to [Body Area] Plan for approximately [Duration] hours  at our facility Please bring: Insurance card  and photo ID List of all medications Previous test results related to this condition If you have any questions about these instructions, please call [Phone Number]  immediately. Regards, [Specialist Name]'s Office   [Practice Name] Template Customization Best Practices and Implementation Tips Implementing an effective reminder system isn't just about having good templates - it's about how you use them. Start by creating a library of templates  tailored to your different appointment types, then schedule them strategically  using the three-reminder approach : five days , three days , and 1 day  before appointments. Your templates should reflect your practice personality  while remaining professional . Personalization  matters - always include the patient's name and specific appointment details. Keep your language simple  and jargon-free  while giving clear instructions  on how patients should respond. Track  your results by monitoring confirmation rates , no-shows , and reschedule requests . Use this data to refine your approach  over time, testing different message formats to see what resonates with your specific patient population. Remember that different demographics might prefer different communication channels - younger patients often respond better to texts, while older patients might prefer calls or emails. The most successful reminder systems balance thoroughness  with restraint . You want to send enough reminders to be effective without bombarding patients with excessive messages . With the right approach, you'll reduce no-shows , improve patient satisfaction , and keep your schedule running smoothly . Stop Struggling With Your Patient Appointment Reminders Sending effective appointment reminders can be challenging. Your staff spends valuable time making phone calls, crafting emails, and managing responses - all while trying to maintain full schedules and provide excellent patient care. Dialog Health's two-way texting platform was designed specifically for healthcare providers to streamline this entire process. How Dialog Health can help with appointment reminders: Implement multi-stage reminder sequences that align with the best practices discussed in this article Create customized templates for different specialties  with messaging tailored to your patients' needs Maintain HIPAA compliance while delivering clear, concise messages Simplify patient responses with easy confirmation and rescheduling options Reduce staff workload  by automating routine communication Track confirmation rates to help optimize your reminder strategy See Dialog Health in action Discover how our texting platform can help implement the strategies outlined in this article and improve your patient communication workflow. Request a personalized demo today →

Key Takeaways Positive patient experience and patient satisfaction in a healthcare setting lead to improved health outcomes, enhanced trust, and better treatment adherence. Open communication and respect between patients and providers  significantly affect patient engagement, safety, and compliance with care plans. Small changes, such as maintaining a comfortable environment , can greatly influence patient perceptions and loyalty. Educating patients during appointments helps prevent avoidable complications and readmissions, reducing the cost of care while empowering patients. Focusing on patient care improves morale for both patients and staff, creating a supportive and collaborative atmosphere. Better Health Outcomes When patients have positive experiences with their care , it leads to better health outcomes . Trust, open communication , and active patient engagement  play a key role in improving how patients feel about their healthcare journey. This sense of connection fosters patient-centered care , which helps healthcare providers make more accurate diagnoses and ensures patients stick to their treatment plans. A good experience with the healthcare system also encourages patients to speak up about safety concerns , creating opportunities to address potential risks early. For example, individuals who had a positive experience after a heart attack  were found to have better health results  one year after discharge. When patients feel empowered to take an active role in their care , they are more likely to manage chronic conditions effectively  and engage fully in rehabilitation programs . This collaboration between patients and providers  can make a meaningful difference in overall health outcomes. Increased Patient Satisfaction Patient satisfaction improves when healthcare organizations focus on respectful communication , timely service, and personalized interactions . These interactions patients have with their care teams influence how they perceive the level of care they receive. Providers who prioritize empathetic communication  build stronger connections with patients, which leads to a more positive experience . Small improvements, like cleaner and more comfortable waiting rooms , can also have a big impact on patient perceptions A well-maintained environment shows that a healthcare organization values patient comfort , contributing to a better overall experience . When satisfaction levels rise, patients are more likely to remain loyal  to their providers, recommend them to others, and feel confident returning for future care. Patient satisfaction can also impact on HCAHPS or OAS CAHPS  scores. Improved Patient Compliance Positive healthcare experiences  play a big role in improving adherence to treatment plans. When patients trust their providers and feel heard , they are more likely to follow medical advice and take medications as prescribed. Clear explanations and empathetic conversations  help patients understand their diagnoses and care plans, making it easier for them to take actionable steps toward recovery. Cultural differences can sometimes lead to misunderstandings, but culturally competent care addresses these gaps , promoting better adherence to safety protocols  and treatment guidelines . Empowering patients with knowledge and support reduces the chance of missteps after discharge, which in turn lowers the risk of readmissions . This active involvement in their own care helps patients feel more confident and capable of managing their health. Enhanced Patient Safety Patient safety improves significantly  when patients feel comfortable enough to report concerns  or ask questions . Positive patient experiences encourage this proactive approach , creating opportunities to address risks before they become problems. Shared decision-making  helps patients better understand safety protocols and how to follow them effectively. Miscommunication , especially across cultural differences, can pose risks to patient safety. However, culturally competent care bridges these gaps, helping both patients and providers stay aligned. Trust  is another key factor; when patients trust their care teams, they are more likely to collaborate and communicate openly . Clear instructions , especially during care transitions, also play an important role in avoiding errors and ensuring patients remain safe throughout their healthcare journey. Reduced Readmissions Clear and effective communication  during healthcare visits can make a big difference in reducing readmissions. When patients receive proper education  about their treatment plans, they are more likely to understand how to care for themselves after leaving the hospital. This reduces the chance of complications that might otherwise lead to a return visit. A positive patient experience also builds confidence in managing post-discharge care. Patients who feel supported and informed  are better equipped to follow instructions and avoid unnecessary readmissions. Patient-centered care , which focuses on individualized support, encourages active involvement  in care plans. This approach helps prevent avoidable hospital visits and improves rehabilitation outcomes , giving patients the tools they need for a smoother recovery. Lower Cost of Care Improving patient experiences is not just about better health—it also helps reduce costs . When patients are satisfied with their care , fewer unnecessary tests, treatments, or hospitalizations are performed, saving both time and resources. Enhanced compliance with treatment plans further reduces the strain on healthcare resources by limiting the need for follow-up interventions. Effective care transitions also play a role in lowering costs. Empowered patients who understand their care plans are less likely to face avoidable complications, which helps conserve healthcare resources. Reduced readmissions further ease the financial burden on the system, ensuring that funds can be allocated to areas where they are most needed. Strong relationships  between providers and patients lead to better outcomes, optimizing care delivery and lowering overall costs. Boosted Patient Morale A positive patient experience can significantly impact morale, especially for those managing long-term health conditions. Compassionate care  helps patients feel supported and builds psychological resilience , making it easier to face the challenges of chronic diseases or recovery from serious injuries. When patients feel heard and understood , their anxiety decreases, which has a direct impact on mental health. Clear communication and education further empower patients to take control of their health. Supportive interactions  also help patients adapt to health changes more effectively, giving them the confidence to manage their care. Improved morale often leads to better adherence  to treatment plans, which contributes to a smoother recovery process and a higher quality of life. Better Reputation for Providers Healthcare providers benefit significantly from offering a high-quality patient experience . Positive patient feedback not only strengthens their reputation within the community but also attracts new patients. Patients are more likely to stay loyal  to providers they trust, which builds long-term relationships and encourages retention. Effective communication and personalized care  also reduce the chances of negative reviews or legal issues, while supporting strong HCAHPS and OAS CAHPS scores. Effective communication when asking for online reviews usinga Dialog Health Providers who focus on patient experience often stand out in the competitive healthcare market , gaining an advantage over others. A strong reputation built on positive interactions helps providers establish themselves as leaders in their field. Improved Staff Experience Positive patient interactions create a ripple effect that extends to healthcare staff . When patients are satisfied, staff experience fewer complaints and conflicts , allowing them to focus on delivering quality care. This reduction in workplace strain improves relationships between patients and staff, fostering a more collaborative environment . Organizations that prioritize patient-centered care  often see higher staff morale  and retention. Healthcare teams feel more motivated when their efforts are met with appreciation, which leads to better job satisfaction . A culture of empathy and collaboration benefits everyone, ensuring that both staff and patients have a better experience overall. See How Dialog Health Can Make Boosting Patient Experience Easier Than Ever The patient experience is central to better health outcomes, reduced costs, and a stronger provider reputation. Dialog Health’s two-way texting platform  is designed to tackle these challenges head-on, offering an effective and personalized solution to improve communication, compliance, and patient satisfaction. With Dialog Health, you can: Strengthen Communication : Empower patients with timely reminders, educational messages, and real-time support that builds trust and engagement. Enhance Compliance : Simplify treatment adherence with clear, actionable text-based instructions and check-ins. Reduce Readmissions : Keep patients informed and confident in their post-care plans to prevent avoidable complications. Boost Patient Safety : Enable proactive reporting of concerns through a comfortable, two-way texting channel. Curious to see how Dialog Health can transform your organization? Explore Our Platform  and discover how you can create a more connected, patient-centered healthcare experience! Brandon Daniell, Co-Founder Written by Brandon Daniell                                                               Brandon has more than 15 years of business and program development experience in healthcare. Worked with some of the leading employers, physicians, payors, and hospital systems, including GTE (now Verizon), BCBS of TN, and Hospital Corporation of America.

New rules from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) should provide even more confidence to healthcare organizations and other businesses in adopting and expanding their use of text messaging for patient, consumer, and staff communications and engagement. On March 16, the FCC adopted its first regulations concerning scam texting. The new rules, which go into effect immediately, require mobile service providers to block text messages that are likely to be illegal and unlikely to be a source for legitimate texts because they come from "invalid, unallocated, or unused numbers." The rules also require mobile wireless providers to establish a point of contact for text senders to use to inquire about inappropriately blocked texts. The FCC's announcement on its new rules also includes information indicating the agency is strongly considering other measures to further cut back on scam text messages. The FCC is seeking public comment on proposals to require mobile wireless providers to block texts from entities the agency has cited as illegal robotexters and implement text authentication measures, among others. For the growing number of organizations and businesses using text messaging as a communication channel, this is welcome news. These rules — and hopefully future requirements and initiatives — should translate to a meaningful reduction in scam text messages. This will help increase confidence in texting as a trusted communication mechanism and should lead to faster engagement and response times as those receiving texts will know the messages they receive are more likely to be genuine and meaningful. Dialog Health thanks the FCC for adopting these first rules and looks forward to seeing additional text messaging safeguards put in place. If you're with an organization ready to explore how you can leverage or further expand your usage of texting, reach out . We'd love to tell you about our HIPAA-compliant, conversational two-way text messaging platform and the many ways our clients use texting every day to improve their operational, financial, and clinical performance. Sean Roy - General Manager & Co-Founder Written by Sean Roy                                                                         Sean has 20 years in technology space with the past 15 years helping companies incorporate mobile into their technology and communication efforts. In addition to his extensive experience in developing and launching mobile marketing solutions, Sean is an active and respected member of the mobile community. Sean has provided mobile solutions for Vodafone, Twitter, Facebook, and Sky TV.

When we think of texting patients, the types of messages that generally come to mind first are those concerning issues like appointment reminders and verification, billing, lab results, and post-appointment surveys. While these are great uses for text messaging, hospitals, health systems, and other providers are discovering how texting positively impacts clinical outcomes and patient safety. Improvements in these areas can significantly affect financial performance (e.g., reducing readmissions and associated penalties), patient satisfaction, staff productivity and satisfaction, Net Promoter Score and CAHPS results , online reviews, and much more.   Below are examples of texts that can help your organization strengthen its clinical outcomes and patient safety. The topics covered may sound familiar as they could be covered in your patient education materials and/or during discussions with patients and their caregivers. However, these are issues worthy of reminders — critical instructions you need your patients to know and ensure they follow but you're not likely to call them about, given staff bandwidth and the significant reduction in patients who answer calls and listen to voicemails.   10 Text Messages to send to Boost Clinical Outcomes & Patient Safety: 1. Optimizing Preoperative Bathing for Infection Prevention   Preoperative bathing   plays a key role in infection prevention by reducing the number of germs on a patient's skin. Send texts reminding patients to purchase any special soap recommended for preoperative bathing (e.g., chlorhexidine) and when they should use the soap (e.g., two days before surgery, the day before surgery, the morning of surgery). If you want to provide more detailed preoperative bathing instructions that speak to topics like shaving and drying, include a hyperlink to this resource in your text.    2. Reducing Surgical Infection Risks for Postoperative Monitoring and Patient Safety Anyone who undergoes a surgical procedure is at risk of infection and possibly sepsis . Send a postoperative text reminding patients to monitor their incision for issues like swelling and bleeding and provide instructions on what patients should do if they see anything concerning (e.g., contact the care team).    A reminder text can also share other potential indicators of an infection, like fever, chills, pain, and nausea. Two-way healthcare texting  gives you the ability to allow a patient to respond to these reminder texts and request a call from their care team if they have concerns. This capability could prevent unnecessary visits to the emergency department.    3. Increased Shower Chair Safety for Surgical Patients   Patients who undergo surgical procedures like total knee and hip replacements should sit on a shower chair when they bathe to reduce the likelihood of a catastrophic fall. Send a text message leading up to the day of surgery that reminds patients that they need a chair and a postoperative reminder text message to use the chair.   4. Maximizing Home Safety and Preparation for Postoperative Recovery Getting one's home ready for postoperative surgical recovery is essential to reducing the likelihood of falls. Send a text reminding patients about key preparation steps, including removing loose cords, taping down corners of rugs, containing small pets, and creating a living environment on a single floor to eliminate the need to go up and down stairs. Two-way texting can enable an organization to ask patients to confirm they have conducted this preparation, adding another layer of accountability.   5. Enhancing Childbirth Experience: Smooth Childbirth Transition and Postpartum Wellness Childbirth is a laborious process (no pun intended) requiring intense preparation. There is a lot of information for an expecting parent(s) to process. Utilizing texting can significantly contribute to enhancing clinical outcomes and patient safety by ensuring essential details are not overlooked. In anticipation of the expected delivery date or a scheduled C-section or induced labor, sending a reminder text can emphasize the necessity of having an infant car seat in the vehicle. Subsequently, after childbirth, text messages can serve as vital reminders, covering crucial aspects such as monitoring incisions for infection and providing links to resources regarding breastfeeding and postpartum depression. .   6. Improving Nuclear Medicine Operations Nuclear medicine departments experience significant financial losses when patients miss or are late to appointments, requiring the wasting of expensive doses of radioactive materials/radiopharmaceuticals. A text message emphasizing the importance of on-time arrival for administration and the value of the patient's medication — language not typically included in an appointment reminder text — can further hit home the importance of not missing an appointment or informing the organization if rescheduling is necessary before doses are prepped. Two-way texts can enable patients to easily request a call if they have questions or need to reschedule.   7. Streamlining Colonoscopy Preparation A successful colonoscopy requires patients to follow preparation instructions , including stopping some supplements, drinking clear liquids, avoiding solid foods, and drinking the cleansing solution and/or taking special oral laxatives. Organizations can set up a series of texts to help ensure colonoscopy preparation compliance, reminding patients to acquire the bowel prep kit and when they should begin each step in the preparation process. A text message following the procedure can remind patients about possible common side effects and what patients should do if they have questions or concerns.   8. Ensuring Effective Recovery Post-Cataract Surgery Following cataract surgery, patients' eyes are vulnerable to infection and complications. Eye drops play a crucial role in preventing postoperative problems. Send texts reminding patients to use their drops and the importance of carefully following instructions. Texts can also share potential signs of complications and information on whom patients should contact if they have questions or concerns. Two-way texting can make it easy for patients to request assistance.   9. Preventing Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) After Surgery Surgery that decreases mobility can increase inflammation in the body and the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Send a text reminding patients about the importance of using their intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) devices and/or taking a prescribed blood-thinning medication. A text can also inform patients about warning signs of DVT and the actions they should take if they have concerns.   10. Boosting Post-Discharge Compliance: Engaging Text Message Strategies for Patient Recovery   Most treatments and surgical procedures require patients to complete post-discharge tasks as part of their recovery process. Common examples include making follow-up appointments with providers (e.g., home care agency, physical/occupational therapy, primary care) and filling prescriptions. A text message can remind patients about the need to follow their post-discharge instructions, including making appointments and picking up medications. These are areas where two-way texting really shines. You can ask patients in a text whether they have completed critical post-discharge tasks. A confirmation moves you from "hoping" to "knowing" the patient has complied.    If patients indicate they have not yet complied, a follow-up text message can ask if they require assistance. A confirmation here empowers you to perform targeted outreach via phone call to help get patients back on the right path to recovery (and out of the emergency department).   A text message can also serve to remind patients about where they can access their post-discharge information and instructions (e.g., patient portal) and provide them with a phone number they can call if they have questions or require assistance.   Empower Patient Compliance With Text Messaging  Avoiding the phrase "No one told me!" is crucial for healthcare providers striving to boost clinical outcomes and patient safety. When patients utter these words, it often signifies a breakdown in communication that could potentially compromise their well-being. The use of text messaging software can easily turn "No one told me!" to "Thanks for the reminder!" By leveraging text messaging software, healthcare providers can effortlessly transform such instances into expressions of gratitude for timely reminders. These prompt messages not only encourage patients to take better care of themselves but also assist providers in ensuring patients arrive adequately prepared for appointments and adhere to vital instructions, thus minimizing the need for additional and avoidable services. The text message samples provided above only scratch the surface of how texting can enhance clinical outcomes and patient safety.   The text message examples provided above scratch the surface of how texting can help you improve clinical outcomes and patient safety. What other ways can text messaging be used? Ask your staff what they wish patients knew or would be reminded of and you're sure to come away with some great additional ideas for messages. You can also reach out to us at Dialog Health to discuss how we're helping organizations just like yours turn two-way texting designed for healthcare  into an essential clinical tool.

FRANKLIN, Tenn., Aug. 19, 2020 – Dialog Health, a two-way texting platform that enables information to be pushed to and pulled from patients, caregivers, and healthcare facility staff, announces the publication of a new case study highlighting how its platform is helping Albuquerque, New Mexico's Lovelace Health System better communicate with and support its employees during the COVID-19 health crisis. During the early days of the pandemic, policies, protocols, and new findings about COVID-19 were being updated frequently. Lovelace deployed the Dialog Health texting platform to communicate directly and instantly with employees since over 70% of its workforce work in a clinical setting without easy access to company email. From March 15–31, Lovelace sent more than 46,000 text messages to its staff. These messages covered a range of topics, including updates on changes to protocols, reminders about recommended safety practices, and information concerning the employee assistance program and a blood drive. The system also sent periodic texts that shared uplifting messages and inspirational quotes. Text messaging has become an invaluable way for Lovelace's leadership to reach and connect with its staff, said Serena Pettes, the health system's vice president of marketing and business development. "Sending texts to our employees via the Dialog Health platform during COVID-19 has been an easy, quick, and effective way to provide support, encouragement, and guidance during a challenging time." Brandon Daniell, president and co-founder of Dialog Health, praised Lovelace for how it is using texting. "The pandemic has taken its toll on all of us, but perhaps no one has been hit harder than the healthcare professionals who are working tirelessly to keep the members of our communities safe and healthy. While we may not have envisioned clients using our platform to deliver emotional and inspirational words of encouragement, we could not be prouder that they are doing so." Daniell continued, "Lovelace has a reputation for providing exceptional care thanks to its exceptional staff. We are happy that our platform is helping these terrific professionals in so many different ways." Since adding Dialog Health, Lovelace has used the platform daily and is exploring other ways it can leverage text messaging for staff communications. To access the Lovelace case study, click here . Organizations interested in adding text messaging for staff communications should visit Dialog Health , email info@dialoghealth.com or call (877) 666-1132. About Dialog Health Dialog Health is a U.S.-based company that provides a two-way texting platform to organizations which they can leverage as a communication and engagement channel. Two-way texting is a convenient, fast, effective and affordable communication resource for stakeholder engagement. For more information, visit www.dialoghealth.com , call (877) 666-1132 and follow Dialog Health on LinkedIn . About Lovelace Health System As a trusted healthcare provider for New Mexicans for nearly 100 years, Lovelace Health System (LHS) is comprised of Lovelace Medical Group, New Mexico Heart Institute, Lovelace Women's Hospital, Lovelace Medical Center, Heart Hospital of New Mexico at Lovelace Medical Center, Lovelace Westside Hospital, Lovelace Regional Hospital, and Lovelace UNM Rehabilitation Hospital. Across its six hospitals, 24 healthcare clinics, and seven outpatient therapy clinics, LHS offers 606 beds and employs a team of more than 4,200 employees, including nearly 250 healthcare providers. Lovelace continues to invest in our community, providing more than $41 million in unfunded care and supporting local nonprofit and community organizations with more than $400,000 in contributions in 2019. From our first and only hospital in New Mexico dedicated to women's health to the state's only hospital devoted exclusively to cardiovascular care, Lovelace is a leader in meeting the healthcare needs of this region. To learn more about our state-of-the-art treatment options, innovative healthcare providers, and award-winning quality initiatives, visit lovelace.com. Bo Spessard, COO Bo brings the perspective of both an entrepreneur-operator and trusted advisor to Dialog Health. He spent 5 years as a corporate attorney and 15 years leading fast-growing B2B SaaS companies. His expertise expands enteprise software, scaling sales organizations and empowering staff to deliver exceptional client services. He was COO of Emma, a B2B SaaS marketing company which was acquired by Insight Partners in 2018. Since Emma, he has advised multiple companies through transition, growth and fundraising. At Dialog Health, he is leading Sales & Marketing and doing his level best to bring corduroy back from the 1970s.

FRANKLIN, Tenn., May 12, 2020 -- Healthcare providers seeking ways to more efficiently and effectively resume appointments and drive revenue as COVID-19 restrictions ease are invited to download a free eBook discussing the valuable roles text messaging can play in these efforts. The eBook is published by Dialog Health, a two-way texting platform that enables information to be pushed to and pulled from patients, caregivers, and healthcare facility staff. It outlines 10 best practices for using text messaging for staff, patient, and vendor communications. These include rescheduling canceled appointments, driving new appointment recall campaigns, communicating about and initiating telehealth services, providing details on revised safety processes and protocols, and streamlining patient collections. The eBook also shares examples of text messages sent by Dialog Health clients. "We are committed to helping healthcare providers safely begin moving toward a return to normal operations," said Brandon Daniell, president and co-founder of Dialog Health. "During these challenging times, facilities are looking for solutions to help ensure high quality of care. Text messaging is a proven method for quickly and successfully engaging people across all generations. This free eBook identifies some of the most significant ways providers can leverage texting to improve their clinical, financial, regulatory, and operational performance." Text messaging is an advantageous communication method for numerous reasons. Two way-texting platforms are SaaS products that only require internet access, so facilities do not need to invest and set up new hardware. Nearly all consumers own mobile phones, and all mobile phones can receive text messages without any special software. There is little to no learning curve for patients as most know how to text. Text messaging is the most widely used smartphone function. About 95% of text messages are read within just minutes of their delivery, and about 98% of text messages are read on the day they are received. "In a mobile-led world where patient engagement is an essential strategy, text messaging is a necessity," Daniell says. "If you want to get a message out fast, to a significant number of people, and with a high degree of confidence that your audience will receive and read it, send that message as a text." To download the free eBook, click here . Organizations interested in adding text messaging should visit Dialog Health , email info@dialoghealth.com , or call (877) 666-1132. About Dialog Health Dialog Health  is a U.S.-based company that provides a two-way texting platform to organizations which they can leverage as a communication and engagement channel. Two-way texting is a convenient, fast, effective, and affordable communication resource for stakeholder engagement. For more information, visit www.dialoghealth.com , call (877) 666-1132, and follow Dialog Health on LinkedIn . Contact: Brandon Daniell 615-429-4252 brandon@dialoghealth.com

FRANKLIN, Tenn., July 1, 2020 – Dialog Health, a two-way texting platform that enables information to be pushed to and pulled from patients, caregivers, and healthcare facility staff, announces it has added a contact tracing text messaging module to its post-appointment bundle. The new contact tracing module allows users to send automated text surveys to patients 7 days and 14 days following an in-person visit to their facility to ask whether patients have developed COVID-19 symptoms. Frequency of the texts can be set by the facility. Text messaging provides healthcare providers with a contactless, streamlined approach to determine whether contact tracing is necessary. "Contact tracing is an essential step in slowing the spread of the novel coronavirus," said Brandon Daniell, president and co-founder of Dialog Health. "In the interest of ensuring patient, staff, and community safety, healthcare providers have a responsibility to check with their patients following appointments to see if they have developed any COVID-19-related symptoms. If patients indicate they have symptoms in their text reply, contact tracing can begin for patients, staff, and others at the facility on the day of the appointment." Daniell continues, "At a time when providers are focused on safely resuming operations and adjusting to the 'new normal,' two-way texting makes identifying a potential contact tracing case a simple process." In addition to the contact tracing module, users of the Dialog Health post-appointment bundle can leverage a variety of other text messaging modules, including those used for collecting outstanding patient payments, requesting patients complete satisfaction surveys, and identifying infections for reporting and bundling requirements. Organizations interested in adding contact tracing and other post-appointment text messaging should visit Dialog Health , email info@dialoghealth.com or call (877) 666-1132. About Dialog Health Dialog Health is a U.S.-based company that provides a two-way texting platform to organizations which they can leverage as a communication and engagement channel. Two-way texting is a convenient, fast, effective and affordable communication resource for stakeholder engagement. For more information, visit www.dialoghealth.com , call (877) 666-1132 and follow Dialog Health on LinkedIn .

Texting is not a "trend"...it's part of our lives and how we communicate today. Reports show that mobile usage will only continue to rise. Don't get left behind. Learn more about our easy-to-use, cloud-based, HIPAA compliant two-way texting platform.  One platform with multiple solutions - from Automated Appointment Reminders to Recall Campaigns to Group Emergency Texts. Improving your patient engagement is as easy as sending a text.   Improve patient engagement with the power of texting. #healthcareindustry #healthcaremarketing #healthcareit #healthcaremanagement #healthcareleaders #twowaytexting #sms #leaderinhealthcaretexting #hipaacompliance #cloudbased #ASCtextingsolution #hospitalmanagement #reducenoshows #automatedsms #groupsms #increacecompliance #revenuemanagement #twowaytextprovider

What is more important for an ambulatory surgery center (ASC): effective preoperative communication or postoperative communication? The answer seems obvious. Effective preoperative communication ultimately required for ensuring patients arrive for their procedure on time, adequately prepared for their treatment, and ready to cover their estimated expenses. When preoperative communication is successful, outcomes tend to be as well. But a strong argument can be made that postoperative communication has taken on much greater significance over the past few years, with the COVID-19 pandemic further elevating its importance. We know this to be the case because our conversations with ambulatory surgery centers increasingly include discussions about how text messaging can help meet, improve, and streamline postoperative communications. Here are seven ways ambulatory surgery centers are using postoperative texting during the health crisis. 1. Contact tracing Contact tracing is an essential step in slowing the spread of the novel coronavirus. Ambulatory surgery centers are now sending automated postoperative text surveys to patients — typically 7 days and 14 days following an in-person visit to their facility — to ask whether patients have developed COVID-19 symptoms. If patients indicate they have symptoms in their text reply, contact tracing can begin for patients, staff, and anyone else who was at the ASC on the day of the procedure. 2. Mass communication concerning a positive test If a patient, staff member, physician, or visitor to an ambulatory surgery center tests positive for COVID-19, ASCs are using text messaging to quickly and effectively inform those who may have interacted or shared space with the positive individual. This text typically includes a note advising the recipient to self-quarantine. It may also notify patients that they should expect to hear from the local health department concerning contact tracing. 3. Initiating telehealth To reduce direct contact during the pandemic, ambulatory surgery centers — and their affiliated practices — are increasingly leaning on digital information and communication technologies (i.e., telehealth) to interact with patients prior to and following treatment. For postoperative purposes, telehealth is permitting ASCs and surgeons to virtually answer questions about wound care, changing dressings, infection concerns, and other matters for which seeing the patient and the surgical site is necessary. Text messaging is helping facilitate telehealth appointments . Ambulatory surgery centers are sending text messages that include direct hyperlinks to initiate appointments. When links in these texts are selected, a web browser or default videotelephony app should automatically open and the camera on the phone should activate. This makes telehealth simple for patients and ASCs. 4. Patient satisfaction surveys Text messaging is one of the most effective ways to encourage patients to complete satisfaction surveys. Ambulatory surgery centers are sending text messages that invite patients to complete their short survey and include a link to the survey in the text. When patients click the link, they are brought to the online survey, which they can conveniently complete on their smartphone. We have seen several ASCs recently add questions about whether patients felt adequately informed about new policies and procedures concerning COVID-19 and used the feedback to improve their preoperative communication and patient preparation. 5. Reputation management If patients express satisfaction with their surgery and overall experience, ambulatory surgery centers are using texting to ask these satisfied patients to leave positive reviews online. 6. Collections Before devoting resources to making calls and/or mailing letters to patients concerning outstanding payments, ambulatory surgery centers are sending well-worded, polite texts reminding these patients that payment is still due. These texts often include a link to an online bill pay portal when an ASC offers such a mechanism. While requesting payment via text may seem unusual, such a method is familiar to most people. Many other industries already employ texting for payment prompts, including major credit cards and telecommunications companies. 7. Value-based care For ambulatory surgery centers that have entered into value-based contracts (e.g., bundled payments), text messaging is helping complete the required postoperative work. This includes inquiring about potential surgical site infections and providing guidance and answers to questions concerning medications and therapy prescribed as part of the surgical recovery plan. Adding Postoperative Text Messaging Ambulatory surgery centers interested in leveraging postoperative texting should learn more about Dialog Health's post-appointment text messaging bundle. It features modules for all of the outreach efforts highlighted above, with each module including sample text messages ASCs can easily adapt for their specific needs. To learn more about adding post-appointment text messaging, schedule a demo , email info@dialoghealth.com , or call (877) 666-1132.

Dialog Health has published a complimentary eBook for human resources professionals that shares best practices for using text messaging for employee engagement, communication, education, and satisfaction as organizations work to navigate the uncertainty caused by the health crisis. Best practices covered in the eBook cover the following valuable uses for human resources departments: Emergency Alerts: Support your business resiliency program by ensuring an emergency communication channel Mass/Group Alerts: Plans to resume business operations and changes to policies and procedures Survey Alerts: Check-in with your staff with a question that requires a response Health Plan, Provider, and Benefits Information: Health insurance FAQs and increase engagement during enrollment Links to Telehealth Providers and Information: To provide safe healthcare for employees Language Preference: For texting in preferred language COVID-19 Updates and Resources: Keeping staff abreast of the most significant developments Emotional Support : Staff morale As is noted in the eBook , "This is a time when the value and effectiveness of text messaging really shines. Throughout the nation, organizations are reopening offices, changing office procedures, updating remote work policies, and needing to share constantly changing information. For those organizations that leverage text messaging, resuming operations will prove more streamlined and successful." The free eBook is available for download by clicking here . You can also access it below. Organizations interested in adding text messaging should visit email info@dialoghealth.com , call (877) 666-1132, or fill out this form .

Brandon Daniell, president and co-founder of Dialog Health, explains why ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) should emulate the usage of text messaging by the financial industry to communicate with patients about their financial obligations in a new ASC Focus column. As he writes, "Banks, credit card companies and other service providers need to communicate regularly with their customers regarding their financial obligations. Like ASCs, these businesses have relied on phone calls, physical mail and email for this purpose. Unlike many ASCs, these businesses now embrace texting." The column discusses why text messaging is an effective strategy for surgery centers to engage with patients about financial responsibility, shares different ways ASCs can use texting in a similar fashion as financial institutions, and lists several of the benefits of leveraging text messaging for communicating about money matters. Daniell concludes his column by explaining how ASCs can adopt texting and outlining other valuable uses for text messaging. Download the column as a PDF here or view it below. ASC Focus  is the official magazine of the Ambulatory Surgery Center Association (ASCA).

Unfortunately, it looks like our experience with COVID-19 will only get worse before it gets better. Although the total number of new daily cases of the novel coronavirus in the United States has slowly been declining over the past few weeks, some states have experienced significant upticks. We're likely to see more hotspots popping up as states continue to proceed with reopening plans, including in-person education, and people experience fatigue with wearing masks and social distancing restrictions. We're seeing this occurring in Europe, which is now in the midst of its second wave of the health crisis. Pair surging COVID-19 infections with the looming flu season, and this one-two punch — which some are calling a " nightmare " scenario — has the potential to overwhelm hospitals and lead to new shutdowns and the reduction of non-essential services. Even a best-case scenario is still likely to result in significant challenges and pressures for healthcare providers, which is why now is the time to take the steps necessary to strengthen your emergency preparedness. One of the most significant aspects of emergency preparedness that requires increased attention before the nightmare hits is communication. Healthcare providers that successfully navigated the unchartered waters of COVID-19 placed a priority on ensuring effective communication with patients, staff, vendor partners, and, more broadly, the communities they served. And they did so by leveraging a range of tools, with a growing number of providers relying on texting to get timely messages to the people who needed to receive them. The experiences from the first six-plus months of this pandemic have taught us a great deal about what must happen if provider organizations want to put themselves in a position to respond effectively to the challenges of the next six months and beyond. Here are four of the lessons learned from the health crisis that you can use to improve your organization's emergency communication preparedness. 1. Address emergency communication weaknesses sooner than later The several weeks that followed the declaration of the pandemic and the issuing of restrictions and stay-at-home orders put emergency preparedness plans to the test. Many came up short. For those organizations that struggled with communication, they lacked the ability to inform patients, staff, and vendors effectively and efficiently about rapidly changing closure guidelines and safety rules. The mechanisms relied upon by such organizations to provide updates — such as phone, email, website, social media — were worthwhile, but often failed to get that information to a majority of targeted recipients in a timely fashion. When an organization needs to get an urgent message out to a significant number of people fast and with a high degree of confidence that the intended audience will receive and process it, there's no better means than texting. It's a proven method for quickly reaching and successfully engaging with stakeholders. We say that the time to deploy texting is well before it is needed. If you're not already using a texting platform, the time to add this valuable communication mechanism is now. 2. Never assume an emergency message is received When organizations were forced to shut down their operations, sometimes on relatively short notice, there was often a scramble to inform everyone affected — from patients who had their treatments postponed to staff members who were directed to stay home or still come in to the facility to vendors whose appointments were canceled. For organizations without text messaging, they relied upon the aforementioned mixed of emails, phone calls, and online posts. Unfortunately, organizations were often left unsure about whether stakeholders received or saw this messaging. Phone calls — the mechanism typically leaned upon for urgent messages — are increasingly ignored these days, largely due to robocall fatigue . And there's no guarantee that a voicemail will be listened to any time soon, if at all. When stakeholders missed messages providing new instructions, they typically proceeded with their original plans of coming to the facility, only to learn once they arrived that the facility was closed or appointments and shifts were canceled. This was not only frustrating but also led to an increased risk of exposure to the novel coronavirus. Two-way text messaging can help an organization dramatically reduce the likelihood that a message will be missed. Two-way texting allows recipients to respond to a message via text. If an organization wants to confirm that recipients received a message, they can ask the recipients to reply with a simple "yes" and the text messaging platform will record this confirmation. If any recipients fail to respond within a set amount of time (e.g., one hour), organizations can then reach out via phone and/or email. Considering more than 96% of Americans own a mobile phone of some kind, all of which can text, and research has shown that 98% of texts are read and 95% are read within just three minutes of being sent, the number of people who will require outreach via phone or email will be significantly lower. If the information that needs to reach recipients is too long for a text or needs to be provided in a format other than text, organizations can easily include a hyperlink to this information in a text message — another benefit. 3. Be prepared for before, during, and after the emergency Significant attention with emergency preparedness is paid to the initial response. What often receives less attention is what needs to happen during and after the emergency, as was the case with the pandemic. Organizations focused heavily on responding to the announcement of the pandemic and subsequent regulatory guidelines and recommendations, including stopping non-essential services and developing mechanisms to safely reduce the number of in-house staff to better support social distancing without harming care. Once this work was accomplished, many organizations, like much of the country, took a wait-and-see approach to developments. Unfortunately, in many cases, this was lost time that could have been spent preparing for the efforts that would be required for a successful reopening and gradual resumption of operations. As states began to announce when restrictions would ease and organizations began receiving information about when they could expect to begin reopening their facilities or individual departments (e.g., outpatient surgery), some organizations found themselves rushing to get timely messaging out to stakeholders about what this meant and how they would be affected — critical aspects of any successful business continuity plan. For patients, this information covered everything from when the date when the facility or department would reopen and how that would affect postponed treatments; what patients needed to do to reschedule appointments; changes in safety policies and procedures that patients and visitors would need to follow; and contact tracing surveys . For providers with a telehealth program, they worked to spread the word about the availability of such services. For staff, information disseminated covered everything from scheduling of shifts; new policies and procedures; steps leadership was taking to better ensure safety; and availability of services to help staff manage their own response to the pandemic, including COVID-19 testing and mental health support. For vendors, messages typically spoke to rescheduling of appointments and changes to policies and procedures representatives would need to follow during on-site visits. In the days and weeks that followed the initial reopening phase, what was understood about the novel coronavirus constantly evolved, affecting how organizations approached their response and modified their rules and guidelines. As this language changed, affected stakeholders needed to be informed. In many cases, this meant significant time spent on phone calls — sometimes multiple calls, if initial calls were missed — and emails that may or may not have been read. But for those organizations already using a text messaging platform, getting frequently changing updates out to a majority of affected stakeholders proved simple and effective. Writing the message, selecting targeted recipients, and clicking send was all it took to inform recipients about how to reschedule appointments, masking requirements, a no-visitor policy, new pre-screening rules, and more. Texting platforms could confirm the delivery of the messages and two-way texting helped document when recipients acknowledged the message. Staff — already stressed and often at reduced capacity — had their communication responsibility workload greatly reduced, permitting more time to focus on other critical matters. The organizations themselves were able to more easily ramp back up operations and begin capturing sorely needed revenue. As the possibilities of a second wave (or continued first wave, as some consider it) looms large, coupled with the flu season, organizations must need to strengthen their plan for how they intend to respond to a return of operational restrictions and the possibility of a second lockdown as well as identify what they can also do to further simplify and streamline reopening and resuming operations. Text messaging must be a part of this equation. 4. Don't overlook the value of staff support The final emergency preparedness and communication lesson learned from COVID-19 that we'll cover is that the need to provide emotional support to staff becomes elevated during times of great stress, such as this pandemic. As important as it is to keep staff informed about changes in their work schedule, new rules, and other developments that affect operations, it is perhaps just as important to remind staff that their hard work and dedication during such an uncertain time does not go unnoticed. To provide emotional and inspirational support to personnel, organizations are sending uplifting messages via text that are having a positive impact on mental health. One such organization is New Mexico's Lovelace Health System. It sent more than 46,000 text messages to its staff over a two-week stretch in March. While these messages covered a range of topics, including updates on changes to protocols, reminders about recommended safety practices, and information concerning the employee assistance program, Lovelace also sent texts that shared uplifting messages and inspirational quotes. As Serena Pettes, vice president of marketing and business development for the health system notes , "Sending texts to our employees … during COVID-19 has been an easy, quick, and effective way to provide support, encouragement, and guidance during a challenging time." It can be easy to overlook something like showing support for staff when there is so much work to be done (often with reduced staff), but the benefits of a simple message of appreciation can make a significant difference in morale and productivity. Strengthen Your Emergency Preparedness With Text Messaging While communication is just single component of emergency preparedness, it's one of the most important. When an organization can communicate effectively and in a timely manner about what it needs staff, patients, and vendors to do in response to ever-changing and -evolving emergency developments, execution of emergency preparedness and business continuity plans becomes easier and more successful. Text messaging helps make this happen. To learn about how to add Dialog Health text messaging to your organization, fill out the form here , email info@dialoghealth.com, or call (877) 666-1132.