A pilot study for testing feasibility and preliminary influence of early intervention using text messaging for pressure ulcer prevention in individuals with spinal cord injury

This pilot study assessed text messaging as an early intervention for preventing pressure ulcers (PrUs) in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) post-hospital discharge. Thirty-nine wheelchair-users discharged after acquiring a SCI, underwent randomisation into an intervention group (n = 20) with text messages and a control group (n = 19). All participants received standard post-discharge care and completed a skincare questionnaire before and 6-month after discharge. Primary outcomes included feasibility and acceptability of early intervention using text messaging, alongside performance, concordance, and attitudes toward skincare. Secondary outcomes measured perception and the incidence of PrUs. Baseline demographics were comparable between the intervention and control groups. Eight of 20 participants completed 6-month follow-up questionnaires in the intervention group, six participants completed the 6-month questionnaires in the control group,. Participants expressed high satisfaction with text messages, understanding of content, and increased confidence in preventing PrUs. At 6-month post-discharge, the intervention group showed improved prevention practices, heightened awareness of PrU risks, and increased perceived importance of prevention, which were not observed in the control group. However, there were no significant differences in PrU incidence, possibly due to the small sample size and short follow-up. The study demonstrates that using text messaging as an early intervention for PrU prevention in individuals with SCI is feasible and well-received. Preliminary results suggest a positive impact on participants' attitudes and practices, indicating the potential of text messaging to reduce PrU incidence. However, further research with larger samples and extended follow-up is crucial to validate these promising initial findings. •This is the first study evaluating feasibility of text messagings for PrU prevention in spinal cord injury patients.•Participants were highly satisfied with receiving and understanding text messages, recommending them for PrU prevention.•Participants receiving messages showed improved practices, awareness, and reduced barriers of PrU prevention post-discharge.•If future larger studies show significant results, this intervention could be a valuable tool in community healthcare.