Summary

This pilot study demonstrated that PROM collection via SMS is feasible following ACL reconstruction with a response rate of 81%.

Abstract

Purpose

Response rates of patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) following ACLR are generally low. While substantial objective information is gathered in ACL databases, subjective patient related parameters as psychological readiness to return to sport (RTS) are not well elucidated. In this pilot study, we aimed to evaluate the feasibility of PROM collection via short message service (SMS) following ACL reconstruction.

Methods

27 consecutive patients following ACL reconstruction surgery (ACLR) were prospectively included in this study. Patients were sent a single SMS-based text message with a link to a 9-question survey adapted to mobile phones on average 4 months following ACL reconstruction. The survey comprised the Danish version of the short form of the anterior cruciate ligament – return to sport after injury (ACL-RSI) scale, an external anchor question being the knee confidence question from the knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome score (KOOS), a question assessing the concreteness of patient fear and a question assessing patient activity level and return to sport. Patient characteristics, survey response rate and survey completion time were recorded.

Results

The cohort consisted of 20 males and 7 females with a mean age of 27 years. 22 patients (81%) completed the sms-based survey following ACLR with a mean follow up of 4 months. Mean time for completion of the survey was 141 seconds.

Conclusions

This pilot study demonstrated that PROM collection via SMS is feasible following ACL reconstruction with a response-rate of 81%.