NOTICE Study Comparing Text Messages to Handouts After Lumbar Spine Fusion Surgery Evaluating Patient Communication and Recovery Support

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the use of automated informative text messages compared to traditional handouts for patients who have undergone lumbar spine fusion surgery. This randomized, single-blind study aims to assess whether receiving text messages after surgery can reduce readmission rates within 30 days. The study involves adult patients with degenerative spine conditions undergoing 1 to 4 level lumbar fusion at Duke University Hospital. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. The control group will receive standard post-surgery handouts with detailed care instructions. The experimental group will receive automated text messages daily for the first week and every other day during the second week after surgery. These messages include links to videos with further advice and encourage patients to call with any questions. Both groups will be followed up with a phone call 30 days after surgery to assess outcomes. During the study, participants will complete questionnaires before surgery and at 30 days post-discharge to measure pain, disability, and anxiety levels. Researchers will track hospital readmissions, emergency department visits, phone calls, and messages to providers, as well as pain medication use and any new problems such as infections. The total participation involves the pre-operative visit, a 2-week messaging or handout period, and a 30-day follow-up call to evaluate recovery and healthcare use.

The NOTICE Study: Neurosurgery and OrThopedIcs Communication Evaluation Study Following Lumbar Fusions