TEXTCARE is a personalised text messaging program designed to support people with a whole range of chronic diseases. It uses complex algorithms to deliver SMS’s such as encouraging people to take their medications as prescribed, to stop smoking, take up exercise or eat more healthily. They cost just 10 cents a message.
As one of ten finalists, The George Institute TEXTCARE programme stands to win one of four charitable grants of $750,000 which will be used to roll out a program in India, China and Australia for millions of at risk patients within 18 months.
Professor Clara Chow, Director of Cardiovascular Division at The George Institute, said: “We are delighted to be finalists in the Google Impact Challenge as there is an urgent need to address the burden of chronic disease which now affects one in two Australian adults.
“Too many of us have lost loved ones to stroke or heart attack, illnesses that in many cases are entirely preventable. What we have devised is a very simple solution to a very complex problem, one that will help millions of people around the world. We have proven our program works through years of research, now we are ready to start helping those who need us and start saving lives.”
Studies already led by The George Institute showed dramatic results with people receiving the texts nearly 1.4 times as likely to exercise, as well as 44% more likely to control their blood pressure and 33 per cent more likely to quit smoking. Research also found the texts can double the odds of people taking their medications correctly.
About World Heart Federation Emerging Leaders
Created in 2014, World Heart Federation Emerging Leaders is among the first international training programmes on cardiovascular implementation research. Its main objective is to build up capacity, professional development, mentorship, and networking of CVD Emerging Leaders (ELs) in 100 countries.
