Linkage of Emergency Department Patients With Public Benefits Navigators via Text Messages

Are text messages more effective than paper referrals in encouraging emergency department patients to seek assistance in applying for unclaimed public benefits?In this randomized clinical trial of 160 patients who were discharged from the emergency department, 25% who received text message reminders contacted benefits navigators compared with 0 who received paper flyers alone.The trial results suggest that health system interventions that address social needs, including benefits navigation, may benefit from using text messages in their design.

Corresponding Author: Austin S. Kilaru, MD, MSHP, 423 Guardian Dr, 414 Blockley Hall, Philadelphia, PA 19104 (austin.kilaru@pennmedicine.upenn.edu).

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