BackgroundOver the years, there has been a rapid growth in the use of mobile technology which has been proven to increase treatment adherence. Short message services may improve service delivery through appointment reminders and improve communication between health care workers and patients. Missed appointments are becoming common amongst mental health care users, and this has a significant economic burden on mental health symptoms.ObjectivesThe aim of the study was to determine the frequency and reasons for missed appointments of outpatient mental health care users for their follow-up care in the uMgungundlovu District.MethodThis study used a quantitative survey. A non-probability convenient sampling method was used to select 182 participants at the psychiatric clinics.ResultsOf the 182 participants, results of the study indicated that n = 84 (46.2%) respondents had missed their appointment at some stage. Of the n = 84 (46.2%) respondents who had missed appointments, n = 28 (33.3%) had missed their appointment once, and n = 45 (53.6%) had missed their appointment 2–3 times. Most common reasons for missed appointments included mental health care users forgetting (n = 58; 69%), work commitments (n = 14; 16.7%), no transportation (n = 4; 4.8%) and financial constraints (n = 5; 6%).ConclusionThe main reasons for missed appointments that were identified included forgetfulness, work commitments, lack of transportation and financial constraints. A significant number of participants (53.6%) had missed their appointments 2–3 times.

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Background The mental well-being of an individual is affected by physical, social and psychological factors, which result in a psychiatric diagnosis. Difficulty in concentration and attention is experienced, and they become dependent on their families for financial and social support. Over the years, there has been a rapid growth in the use of mobile technology which has been proven to increase treatment adherence. Short message services may improve service delivery through appointment reminders, and improve communication between health care workers and patients. Aim of the study The aim of this study was to determine the feasibility and acceptability of utilising a short message service to remind outpatient mental health care users (MHCU) of their follow-up care in the uMgungundlovu District. Methodology The study employed a non-experimental quantitative survey. The study took place at four outpatient psychiatric clinics in the uMgungundlovu District in KZN. A non-probability convenient sampling method was used to select 182 participants at the psychiatric clinics. Results The majority of the respondents n=169 (92.9%) indicated that they would be interested in receiving the short message service. Results indicated that it would be feasible, acceptable and expedient to MHCUs to have access to the service.