Ask, Don't Tell — Mobile Phones to Improve HIV Care

A text-messaging program for HIV care in Kenya uses an “Ask, don't tell” approach. Patients tire of repeated medication reminders but do not seem to tire of text messages asking how they are doing, especially when their questions are answered and help is provided when needed. To the Editor: Alm...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The New England journal of medicine Vol. 369; no. 19; pp. 1867 - 1868
Main Author: Lester, Richard T
Format: Journal Article
Language:English
Published: United States Massachusetts Medical Society 07.11.2013
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ISSN:0028-4793, 1533-4406, 1533-4406
Online Access:Get full text
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Summary:A text-messaging program for HIV care in Kenya uses an “Ask, don't tell” approach. Patients tire of repeated medication reminders but do not seem to tire of text messages asking how they are doing, especially when their questions are answered and help is provided when needed. To the Editor: Almost all health care is voluntary: patients choose when to engage in care, when to take their medicine (if they choose to take it), and whether to return for follow-up visits. In human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and other chronic diseases, the benefits of medication adherence for the patient and public health are tremendous. Mobile health — the use of mobile devices such as cell phones to improve health outcomes and health care services — has been shown to be effective in promoting adherence to treatment for HIV infection. The World Health Organization has strongly recommended text . . .
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ISSN:0028-4793
1533-4406
1533-4406
DOI:10.1056/NEJMc1310509