Effectiveness of electronic messages in mobile phones in the cooperation of orthodontic patients during the wearing of elastics and retainers, and in attendance to appointments
a systematic review and meta-analysis
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.35699/2178-1990.2022.33084Keywords:
Orthodontics, Social media, Patient complianceAbstract
Aim: To evaluate the effect of messages via WhatsApp, text message (SMS), or apps on the cooperation of orthodontic patients during the wearing of elastics and retainers as well as attendance and delay at appointments.
Methods: Searches in five electronic databases, OpenGrey, and Google Scholar were performed without restrictions on publication date/language. Selection of the studies, data extraction, and methodological quality analysis of articles with the Cochrane tool were performed. Results of meta-analysis were provided in odds ratio (OR) and confidence intervals (CI).
Results: Eight studies were included. Among those who received app messages, a lower number of appointment failures (delay) was observed (p < 0.05), and among those who received WhatsApp messages, a greater effectiveness of correction of class II malocclusion with elastics and a lower intercanine distance reduction (p < 0.05) were observed compared to those who did not receive messages. For incisor irregularity, there was no difference between individuals who received and those who did not receive a text message (p = 0.92). Among those receiving previous SMS messages, the number of appointment attendances was higher than the number of no-shows (OR = 15.48; CI = 1.04–230.24). Wearing of elastics was also higher (p = 0.001). No difference was found in appointment attendances between individuals who received previous SMS messages and individuals who received previous phone calls (OR = 1.11; CI = 0.30–4.05), or those who received e-mails (p > 0.05). The risk of bias varied from low to high.
Conclusion: Messages in mobile phones are efficient in reducing consultation no-shows and failure in attendance, as well as in increasing the wearing of intermaxillary elastics and retainers.
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