Texting for Health
Activities: Lead content author, algorithm development, persona development
Text 2 Be an Ex, or T2BX, was a free, text message program established by the Rhode Island Department of Health in designed to assist Rhode Island youth in quitting smoking. The goal was to support those aged 13-17 to quit the use of tobacco products by providing information, motivation, support, and resources. Using a series of messages created by the National Institutes of Health as a starting point, I created the overall flow, tone, and timing of messages, along with over 300 unique messages for use throughout the program. I also developed branching logic to build in tailored messages based upon user response to periodic survey questions, which were delivered SMS as well.
This was a fun puzzle to work on, and keeping the target audience in mind was vital to the program’s success. For example, messages included not only tobacco related information, but also social support and diversions that were intended to shift the individual’s thoughts from tobacco use to something more silly (think: Parry Gripp videos). You can read more about what went into developing this program here.
Prochaska’s Stages of Change model was used as a framework. Messages targeted each stage, including early contemplation.
This diagram represents a sample flow, outlining one stage of the program. Entry, exit, timing, data capture, and customization elements can all be found.