Evaluating the efficacy of an SMS text message information and support programme for people who have experienced a motor vehicle-related injury: protocol for a double-blind randomised controlled trial.

Abstract

Road traffic injuries can be physically and emotionally challenging, and navigating compensation processes may increase uncertainty and distress. Early high distress is linked with poorer long-term recovery, including persistent pain and delayed return to work. Digital health tools, particularly brief, scalable SMS programmes, may offer timely information and emotional support during recovery. This protocol outlines a double-blind randomised controlled trial evaluating the efficacy, feasibility and acceptability of an SMS-delivered health information and support programme for people who have lodged a compulsory third party (CTP) insurance claim after a motor-vehicle-related injury. This double-blind, two-arm parallel-group trial will recruit 254 adults in New South Wales, Australia, who recently sustained a motor-vehicle-related injury and lodged a CTP claim with Allianz Insurance Australia (Allianz). Participants will be randomised (1:1) to either: (1) an intervention group receiving two co-designed informational videos plus 28 days of once-daily supportive SMS messages in addition to usual care, or (2) an active control group receiving the same videos and usual care only. The primary outcome is pain self-efficacy at 30 days, assessed using the Pain Self-Efficacy Questionnaire (PSEQ-10). Secondary outcomes include claimant satisfaction, pain and pain interference, anxiety and depression, pain-related concerns, perceived social support, healthcare costs and return-to-work status. Feasibility and acceptability will be assessed using the RE-AIM framework (Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation and Maintenance) through engagement data, reach, satisfaction ratings and qualitative interviews. Analyses will follow intention-to-treat principles with thematic analysis for qualitative data. Ethical approval has been granted by The University of Sydney Human Research Ethics Committee (2025/HE001079). Findings will be shared through publications, conference presentations and stakeholder reports to guide future digital support initiatives in compensation settings. ACTRN12625001043426.