I saw this article posted on Twitter and thought it was relevant to what we are learning about in consumer health informatics and web 2.0 in healthcare. The idea of text messaging and smoking cessation going hand in hand together has never crossed my mind, but after reading this article I think that it has the potential to go far. The QuitNowTXT program is an interactive text-based intervention for adult smokers. According to the Department of Health and Human Services, "In the United States over 150 billion texts were sent in 2009 alone. With that degree of usage, the mobile communications platform is another natural tool of mHealth interventions." I think texting plays a big role in our everyday lives and incorporating it with healthcare is a great idea. 150 billion texts in 2009 was a lot, but can you imagine how much it has increased to in 2011?! Smart phones are becoming so popular nowadays, so you can't escape texting. The QuitNowTXT program is geared towards teens and adults, and the HHS is investing $5 million dollars to develop this project. It looks promising to me, but what do you guys think? Here's the link to the article and I hope you guys enjoy it.
I think this idea has the potential to be GREAT! I know I text all day and when I get a text message from anyone most of the time I stop what I am doing and respond. This can be groundbreaking.... Great find Sandy!
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