Patient Consent & Opt-In Disclosure
```This program sends automated text message check-ins to surgical patients after hospital discharge. Messages are sent at clinically timed intervals over 30 days to screen for complications, track pain and recovery, and connect patients to their care team when concerns arise.
Participation is voluntary. Consent is obtained verbally by a member of the surgical care team prior to discharge. The patient provides their mobile phone number and verbally agrees to receive post-operative check-in text messages. Consent is documented in the platform with the date and time of enrollment.
Verbal consent script: "We'd like to send you text message check-ins over the next 30 days to keep an eye on your recovery. You can reply to any message, and we'll flag anything concerning for the nurse. You can text STOP at any time to opt out. Is that OK?"
Patients receive up to 6 scheduled check-ins over 30 days (post-operative day 0, 2, 5, 14, 21, and 30). Each check-in includes 5–7 screening questions. Additional messages may be sent if clinical follow-up is needed. Patients may also text the system at any time with questions or concerns.
Patients may opt out at any time by replying STOP to any message. Once STOP is received, no further messages will be sent. Patients may also request removal by contacting their surgical team directly.
There is no charge to the patient for this service. Standard message and data rates from the patient's mobile carrier may apply.
Patient information is handled in accordance with HIPAA regulations. Messages are transmitted via encrypted channels. Patient data is stored in an encrypted database and is accessible only to authorized clinical staff involved in the patient's care.
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