Implementing a text messaging service for parents and carers of young children
To recognise parents’ and carers’ need for quick access to professional advice about their child’s health
To consider the benefits of text messaging for easing communication between parents and health visitors
To reflect on the essential factors for the successful introduction of text messaging services in healthcare
This article examines how one trust in England developed and implemented a text messaging service for parents and carers of young children to communicate with their local health visiting team. It describes how being able to communicate with a health visitor via text message can assist parents to manage their child’s care, especially in the early stages of parenthood. The authors describe the importance of leadership and of staff engagement when implementing digital technology in healthcare services and how the appropriate promotion of a text messaging service is vital to its success. The aim of the article is to provide readers with the knowledge to effectively implement a text messaging tool in their own service and thereby support the parents of young children.
