Researchers from Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston reported their findings during the annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology.

First, the details.

• 70 people were randomly assigned to receive the text message reminders or not.
• All participants were asked to apply sunscreen for 6 weeks.
• Adherence to daily sunscreen use was evaluated using a novel electronic monitoring device, which sent an SMS message to a central server each time the tube was opened.
• More about SMS messaging is here.

And, the results.

• After 6-weeks, the no message group had 30% daily adherence.
• The daily reminder group had a 56% daily adherence rate — a significant difference.
• After the study, those in the reminder group rated the usefulness of the service at 8 out of a possible 10 points.

The bottom line?
The authors concluded, “The findings suggest that a simple daily reminder can maintain improved long-term adherence to sunscreen application, thereby encouraging a sun-protective behavior that is likely to be beneficial in decreasing the risk of skin cancer.”

It’s innovative, low cost, and apparently effective.

3/13/09 21:49 JR