# Ask for appointment text reminders

Published by Pawel Jozefiak. [About this project](https://adhd100.jock.pl/about/), [How we check sources](https://adhd100.jock.pl/methodology/)

- Canonical: https://adhd100.jock.pl/appointment-text-reminders/
- Language: en
- First published: 2026-09-29
- Evidence checked: 2026-09-29, using AI-assisted source verification
- Clinical review: Not clinically reviewed
- Number 51 of 100 in the list: https://adhd100.jock.pl/#appointment-text-reminders

Let the service remind you, then turn the text into a plan for getting there.

**The number:** Text reminders raised appointment attendance by about 14%, relative (risk ratio 1.14) ([Cochrane, 2013](https://www.cochrane.org/evidence/CD007458_mobile-phone-messaging-reminders-attendance-healthcare-appointments))

## The evidence

- How sure: Certainty of evidence: Moderate certainty. Measured in the general population; we say so because ADHD trials of this do not exist or are too small.
- Evidence grade: B. Grade B: trials in ADHD with low certainty, or strong general health evidence with a sourced reason it matters more with ADHD.
- Basis: Cochrane 2013: moderate-quality evidence, seven studies and 5,841 participants, RR 1.14 versus no reminders; not ADHD-specific.
- Benefit: 49/100. The benefit score is an editorial prioritization for the general list, weighted by certainty. It is not a prediction of what will happen for you.

## Why it matters

Text reminders raised attendance at healthcare appointments in a Cochrane review, a risk ratio of 1.14 from seven studies of 5,841 people, with moderate-quality evidence. That means about 14% higher attendance in relative terms, not 14 percentage points. None of the studies were in ADHD, but NIMH notes that adults with ADHD may find it hard to keep appointments, so a reminder you can act on is especially useful.

## How to do it

1. Find out if the service sends text reminders for appointments.
2. Make sure it has your right number and the way you like to be contacted.
3. When a reminder comes in, check the date, the place and anything you need to prepare.
4. Put travel or connection time in your calendar, and use the service's own way to rebook if you need to.

## Putting it into practice

### Start now

- 1 minute: Look up your next appointment and ask yourself if the service has your current phone number.
- 5 minutes: Check the reminder options for one upcoming appointment.
- 15 minutes: Confirm one appointment's details and add the preparation and travel time to your calendar.

### What it looks like

- Check the clinic has your current number while booking.
- Turn the text into a calendar entry that includes when to leave home.

### Common mistakes

- The reminder goes to an old phone number. Confirm your contact details when you book.
- The text arrives and you still forget the journey. Add a separate prompt for when to leave home.

### A structured start

**Make reminders actionable**

1. Check contact details with one service.
2. Enable its reminder option if available.
3. Turn incoming reminders into a practical attendance plan.

### Trusted how-to guides

- [Support Available (Adult ADHD Services)](https://www.elft.nhs.uk/adult-adhd-services/support-available), East London NHS Foundation Trust

## Sources

- [Mobile phone messaging reminders for attendance at healthcare appointments](https://www.cochrane.org/evidence/CD007458_mobile-phone-messaging-reminders-attendance-healthcare-appointments), Cochrane, 2013 (Tier 1 guideline)
- [ADHD in Adults: 4 Things to Know](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/adhd-what-you-need-to-know), NIMH, 2024 (Tier 1 guideline)
- [Support Available (Adult ADHD Services)](https://www.elft.nhs.uk/adult-adhd-services/support-available), East London NHS Foundation Trust, 2026 (Tier 1 guideline)

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General information about ADHD, not a diagnosis or an individual treatment plan. Tailoring changes the order of suggestions; it does not assess you. Medication decisions belong with you and a qualified clinician.

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