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August 19, 2007
The Persuasive Technology Lab has been trying to understand how methods of persuasion can be used to improve health using text messaging (SMS) as the interactive platform.
The majority of applications of SMS for health have been created in developed countries for local use. Yet very interesting efforts are under way in the developing world.
Warren Kaplan's paper is a good starting point for diving into this topic. It spells out challenges and points to the need for more rigorous evaluation of health information programs.
The next resource we recommend id to take a look at Justin's posting of the Technology, Health and Development blog entitled "SMS and Text Messaging for Health" where he lists a few services used in developing countries.
DocVia.com - a pilot project with the Perinatal HIV Research Unit (PHRU) in Soweto, South Africa to provide drug and appointment reminders.
SIMpill - On-Cue Compliance Service - drug and appointment reminders among others. Their TB work in Cape Town, South Africa is described.
Mobile for Good - a program in Kenya delivering health, employment and community content. Users can access health info and ask HIV and breast cancer related questions.
Frontline SMS - a downloadable SMS platform for NGOs. Looks great for testing the utility of SMSing before scaling up.
The South African Depression and Anxiety Group has launched a program that enables teens to communicate with counselors
Kenyan National AIDS Control Council - HIV information program.
I will be posting about this topic for a while, so if you are interested or have suggestions as to topics to be covered, please comment on this entry or write to the lab.
Thank You,.
Posted by Adam at August 19, 2007 11:30 AM