Boots sends health results via text message

High-street retailer Boots is using the latest communication technology, including voice and text messaging services, to deliver confidential health results.

The pharmacy chain will this month begin offering a chlamydia test kit and treatment services, after hosting an NHS trial for 16- to 24-year-olds.

Boots transmits the information via secure network to supplier Premiere Global Services, which uploads and analyses the data before determining the appropriate delivery method, automatically sending confidential results via voice, text or email.

The voice message delivery service uses the latest technology, including Exact Match Validation, which allows the user to verify the recipient by requesting and matching data such as a unique customer reference number.

Boots says many people use the test kit because it is less threatening, and it is important that delivery of test results is anonymous and confidential.

‘It is about using new IT channels to deliver health information and a text message was the most popular method in the target age group. This also ensures only the intended recipient receives the result,’ said a spokeswoman.

Boots development manager Tracey Thornley says the new service also enables results to be sent more efficiently. ‘A trial has deemed it to be successful and it speeds up detection and treatment of chlamydia,’ she said.

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