Text messaging between practices and patients can improve care and reduce patient visits, according to an Irish study published today.

Researchers found practices in south-west Ireland using texting for a range of purposes, including the reporting of test results.

It is now used by many UK practices for appointment reminders – but the Irish researchers say that further uses in the UK have hit concerns about confidentiality and the accuracy of records of phone numbers.

In the British Journal of General Practice, they report a survey of 400 GPs together with patients at three practices.

They found that a third of doctors were using texting and reported it has “time-saving.”

The survey of patients found that 99% were happy with the use of texts – seeing advantages in getting tests results quickly and reminders. Some 4% had concerns about confidentiality.

Researcher Dorothy Leahy, from the University of Cork, Ireland, said: “Clear guidelines on confidentiality and privacy are required so that practices can produce clear, written policies for patients and staff.”

The Royal College of GPs said doctors preferred to give test results face to face or over the phone.

Chair Professor Helen Stokes-Lampard said: “A text message can still be a useful prompt for a patient to contact the surgery to arrange this.”

“They are a cheap and convenient way to get important messages to patients and one area that we have seen particular benefit is in reducing missed appointments through sending out text reminders.

“However, we recognise the potential security limitations of texting especially to people who share their phones and GP practices will only send text messages to patients if they have given us permission to communicate with them in this way. In the main, we find our patients welcome this approach.”