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Why SMS Fragments Matter for Your GP Practice

"Max Gattlin"

SMS fragments help GP practices by making sure important information is brief and direct, so patients receive key details in a way that’s easy to understand.

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Using SMS communication in GP practices has become essential for keeping patients informed about their appointments, health reminders, and other updates. In this blog, we’ll explain SMS fragments, why they’re useful, and how to create effective, clear messages. We’ll also cover some helpful tools for managing SMS messaging at your practice.

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What Are SMS Fragments?

An SMS fragment is a small section of a text message. This is often needed because SMS messages are limited to 160 characters each. When a message is longer, it gets broken into fragments and reassembled on the recipient’s device.

SMS fragments help GP practices by making sure important information is brief and direct, so patients receive key details in a way that’s easy to understand.

Why SMS Fragments Matter for GP Practices

Using SMS fragments has several benefits for GP practices:

  • Efficient Communication: SMS reaches patients directly, making it ideal for quick updates, reminders, or check-in prompts.
  • Better Patient Engagement: Regular and timely updates help patients feel informed and cared for, enhancing their trust in your practice.
  • Fewer Missed Appointments: Reminder messages keep patients aware of their appointments, reducing no-shows and helping you manage your schedule more effectively.

"Max Gattlin"

Tips for Crafting Clear SMS Messages

Here are a few tips for creating SMS messages that are clear, concise, and useful to patients:

  1. Keep It Short and Direct
  • Use simple language, focusing on the main message.
  • Avoid jargon or medical terms that could confuse patients.
  1. Start with Key Information
  • Include essential details like the appointment date and time at the start.
  • Add secondary information, like contact numbers or instructions, at the end if needed.
  1. Use Message Templates
  • Templates help keep your messages consistent and reduce the time spent writing each message.
  • Standardised templates for reminders, updates, and follow-ups can make communication smoother.
  1. Focus on One Clear Call-to-Action (CTA)
  • Use a single CTA per message, such as “Reply to confirm” or “Call us at [number] if you need assistance.”
  • This helps avoid confusion and makes it clear what action you want the patient to take.
  1. Review Before Sending
  • Check the message as if you were the patient. Make sure it’s clear, to the point, and has all the necessary details.
  1. Use short Codes
  • Use short codes to ensure long URLS are shortened to save on characters. There are tools and websites out there that can use.

Tools to Improve SMS Communication

Using tools can make managing SMS messages much easier and ensure your messages are effective:

  • Character Count Tools: Tools like Charcounter help you see if your message is within the character limit to avoid extra fragments.
  • Automation Systems: Software like Accurx and MJog allows you to automate messages, reminders, and patient follow-ups. This reduces manual tasks and saves time.
  • Templates and Scheduling: Many automation tools allow scheduling and templates, which makes it easy to send standard messages like appointment reminders at the right time.

"Max Gattlin"

Balancing Conciseness and Clarity

Finding the right balance between being concise and clear is essential. Here’s how to do it effectively:

  1. Identify the Core Message: Focus on the essential information that the patient needs to know right away.
  2. Cut Unnecessary Words: Avoid extra words or repeating information. Every character counts, so only include what’s necessary.
  3. Limit Multi-Message Texts: If a message is longer, consider whether it would be better as a quick SMS or if a follow-up call is more appropriate.

 

Conclusion

SMS fragments can play a big role in improving communication between your GP practice and patients. By keeping messages short, clear, and to the point, you can build better engagement and ensure patients feel well-informed and supported. With the help of templates and automation tools, managing SMS communication can be simple and effective for your practice.

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