Texts and calls aim to steer frequent ER users to other care
NCT ID NCT06818825
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tested two ways to help people who often go to the emergency room (ER) find other places to get care. Over 1,100 adults who had visited the ER four or more times in the past six months were randomly assigned to receive either automated text messages or a phone call from a health worker after an ER visit. The messages guided them to alternatives like urgent care or their primary doctor. Researchers tracked whether these patients returned to the ER afterward to see which outreach method worked better.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
Automated text messages and live phone calls
What this could lead to
If successful, this approach could help hospitals reduce unnecessary emergency department visits by guiding frequent users to more appropriate care settings.
What could go wrong
This is a completed study, so results are available but may not apply to other hospitals or patient groups. The outreach may not change behavior for all patients.
Disclaimer
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the original study
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Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Locations
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Geisinger Health System
Danville, Pennsylvania, 17822, United States