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.

INTRODUCTION: 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. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: 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. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: 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. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ACTRN12625001043426.