Building an IT Partnership in a World of Change FHI & Text to Change Building an IT Partnership in a World of Change

+ = Where we began… EC research in Ghana and Kenya identified: Lack of knowledge around contraceptive methods High rate of mobile phone ownership What if we created a means of educating women and men about contraception using mobile phones? + =

First Steps – m4RH Concept Idea originated from research with contraceptive users in East and West Africa Concept Testing was conducted with family planning users in focus groups and individual interviews Message Development: m4RH: Based on WHO and Country Norms, Expert Review ECINFO: Theory-driven role model stories Message Testing was conducted with health clinic clients and EC users Usability Testing helped with refining system interaction and navigation

Technology Options Web-based SMS service (e.g. Clickatell) Desired more control over the system Capability within FHI First project of its kind at FHI; not a good business case Investigated relationships with Net Hope, Nokia, Cisco, etc. Direct collaboration with mobile provider – Safaricom Off-the-shelf options MobileActive.org comparison matrix FrontlineSMS

We need a technical partner!! FrontLine SMS I <3 frontline User-friendly interface Great for initial demonstrations and system testing Easily deployable in the field Concerns regarding reliability Short code or Phone Number? Phone number seems too ‘clunky’ Short code is more user friendly, easy to remember Short code requires a lot of work and likely a 3rd party We need a technical partner!!

…And Then There Were Three Sex:Tech 2009 solicitation for partners Narrowed options to Frontline SMS, Text to Change, and Voxiva Key decision points for the system: Flexibility Reliability Sustainability Selected TTC as official partner for m4RH in 2009

Roles FHI Develop and test system content Design research process System usability testing (with ) TTC Programming Input on design and proposed algorithm Data monitoring

Other Considerations Flexibility Ability to refine ‘on demand’ Extremely important, especially for a new system. Quality control Who is checking the system and data? Cultural considerations Having a partner in region is extremely helpful IT versus Health Technology TTC is knowledgeable in Public Health (as is Voxiva), which has made communication and collaboration easy

The BIG Considerations Sustainability Is the system flexible enough to support “in-a-box” packaging? If not, where will the separation be made and how will the technical piece be incorporated? Cost If you are able to get to a packaged system how much will it cost to support it? If you aren’t delivering a packaged system, how much will it cost to implement? Management costs, short code, identification of partner, etc.

What We’ve Learned Having a good IT partner is critical Finding a partner can be a daunting process When all else fails, just ask! Location, location, location Regional expertise is a benefit Be clear in expectations Upfront and long-range costs