The TEACH (Texting After ACS Discharge) Pilot Randomized Trial

Although there have been substantial advances in the treatment of heart disease, heart attacks remain one of the leading causes of death and suffering around the world. Each year, more than 80,000 patients are hospitalized with heart attacks or related conditions in Canada. Even after discharge, patients are at high risk of having complications such that almost one in two patients after a heart attack will be readmitted to hospitals within the first year. Given the shortage of doctors and allied health care professionals, there is an emerging focus of digital health as a way to improve the care and outcomes after heart attacks. With more than 30 million cell phone users across Canada and almost all are already using text message services, the goal of this study is to conduct a pilot test using an innovative clinical trial design to see if the care and outlook of heart attack patients using mobile text messages can be improved.

Inclusion Criteria:Patients > 18 years oldPresentation or admission to Sunnybrook Hospital with diagnosis of Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS)Access to a cellphone that can receive text messagesExclusion Criteria:Inability to consent for study in EnglishInability to read or answer English textsLack of cellphone with SMS capability