Background Mobile phone Short Message Service (SMS) is a tool now used by the health research community, providing the capability for instant communication between patients and health professionals. Greater understanding of how to best utilize SMS as a means to improve healthcare delivery and outcomes will foster innovation in research and provide an opportunity to progress as a public health community. Purpose The purposes of this systematic review were two-fold: (1) to provide insight on the most utilized mobile phone SMS practices and characteristics in hypertension (HTN) outcome-focused publications, and (2) to critically evaluate empirical evidence associated with SMS utilization and blood pressure (BP) outcomes. Methods Two independent systematic literature searches were completed. The final selected studies each then underwent data extraction and quality-rating assessment, followed by an evaluation for a meta-analysis to measure mean difference of the change in BP. Results A total of 6 studies meeting the inclusion criteria were included in the review. Feasibility assessment for a meta-analysis was found unfavorable due to the variation among studies. SMS interventions focused on BP management were most effective in studies featuring two-way communication and individual patient-tailored content, and guided by evidence-based HTN management practices. Implications SMS interventions for HTN management were supported through evidence provided by the studies reviewed. SMS holds strong potential to bring greater innovation to HTN management and care, especially in racial/ethnic minority populations that face psychosocial and structural barriers in health care access and utilization.

Spirituality and religiosity are often overlooked yet potentially influential factors in Western medicine, as demonstrated through the experiences of Jehovah's Witnesses and their religious restrictions while undergoing surgery and the beliefs of Christian Scientists against taking medications and receiving medical procedures. Understanding needs of non-directed donors specifically with spirituality and religiosity can better position kidney transplant centres and teams to improve predonation screening of non-directed donor candidates and provide support services during the donation process.

Introduction: The recent increase in non-directed donors (NDDs) in the United States (U.S.) may help reduce the overwhelming number of patients on the waitlist. However, non-directed donation may be limiting its full potential. Out-of-pocket donation costs upward of $8,000 may be a barrier to potential donors with altruistic tendencies, but inadequate financial support. This study aimed to describe the financial concerns of 31 U.S. NDDs. Methods: We conducted qualitative interviews and administered quantitative demographic surveys between April 2013 and April 2015. Interview transcripts were analyzed using grounded theory techniques to describe and expand on themes relevant to the NDD experience. Findings: We identified 4 sub-themes related to the theme of financial concerns: (1) direct costs related to transportation, lodging, and parking, (2) indirect costs of lost wages encountered from taking time off work to recover from surgery, (3) sources of financial support, and (4) suggestions for alleviating donor financial burden. Two thirds of participants (20) expressed concerns about direct and indirect donation costs. 11 NDDs reported the negative impact of direct costs,15 NDDs had concerns about indirect costs; only 7 donors received supplemental financial support from state mandates and transplant programs. Discussion: Understanding the financial concerns of NDDs may guide improvements in the NDD donation experience that could support individuals who are interested in donating but lack the financial stability to donate. Removing financial disincentives may help increase nondirected donation rates, increase the living donor pool, and the number of kidneys available for transplantation.