Very hot days can be dangerous, particularly for those living with chronic health conditions and for older adults. Heat can cause illness and lead to hospital visits. Most heat warnings are general and may not always be clear or helpful.

This summer, the Australian Institute of Health Innovation at Macquarie University is testing a new text message system. The study looks at how text messages can help people stay safe during very hot weather.

The messages share clear and timely information about:

Health risks during extreme heat
Simple actions to stay safe

We want to see if these messages help people:

Stay safe during heatwaves
Take steps to protect their health
Reduce the need to visit hospitals during very hot days

Who can get involved?

You may be eligible to participate in this study if you are:

18 years and older
Live in Australia
Have one of the following chronic health conditions: heart problems (e.g. ischaemic heart disease, history of heart attack, angina, heart failure, arrhythmia), lung problems (e.g. asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), kidney problems (e.g. chronic kidney diseases), diabetes (high blood sugar), or high blood pressure
Possess a smart mobile phone with internet and an Australian number
Able to read text messages and speak in English, and
NOT residing in nursing homes or aged care facilities

What’s involved? 

If you join the study:

You will be placed into one of two groups by chance

One group receives usual heat warning texts
One group receives study text messages

You will complete:

One short online survey at the start (under 10 minutes)
Two very short online surveys after a heatwave (under 5 minutes each)

You will receive 4 text messages during the heatwave season (October 2026 – March 2027) with tips to stay healthy in the heat, sent based on your local weather forecast:

One after joining
One before a heatwave
One at the start of a heatwave
One after the heatwave ends

The surveys will ask about:

Your health and any symptoms you experienced during the heat
What you did to stay cool
Whether you used healthcare services

Enter the draw for a chance to win one of three gift vouchers valued at $200, $150 or $100.

Want to know more?

If you are interested and think you might be eligible, you can

Complete a screening survey and access the study information form at https://redcap.mq.edu.au/surveys/?s=HTF3JXT9DYEXCJCR

• Person with early stage kidney disease
• Person on dialysis / transplant