Lightspeed Research has released the results of a survey of 1,000 UK consumers that indicates that many patients would like their mobile phone to play an integral role in their healthcare. 
The study found that one in five people surveyed would like to be able to book a doctors appointment by text. 52% said they would like to receive appointment reminders by text, while 43% would like routine tests and screening reminders to be sent straight to their mobile phone. 23% would like to be able to receive test results by text, and 31% would like to be able to request a repeat prescription by text.
While those under the age of 35 are more likely to want to use text messaging to communicate with their doctor, many older patients are also receptive to the idea, with 24% 45 55 year olds surveyed saying they would like to be able to receive test results by text.
Only 4% of respondents said they were currently able to communicate with their GP via text. 14% said they were able to communicate with their GP via email, and 16% via a website.