Using SMS as a tool to reduce exclusions experienced by caregivers of people with disabilities in a resource-limited Colombian community

Abstract

Purpose: The community of El Codito, located in the mountainside on the perimeter of Bogota, Colombia, is considered one of the most vulnerable and resource-limited communities in the region. This community-based research (CBR) project used short message service (SMS) messaging as a tool for information access and social interaction with caregivers of people with disabilities (PWD). Method: Using a focused ethnographic method, this research evaluated the experience of caregivers participating in the project. In addition to primarily qualitative methods, supplementary quantitative message data was also collected. This project utilized free and open source software for SMS message distribution. Results: Caregivers experienced the project as a window to possibility; the possibility of a social support network, the possibility of community participation and the possibility of change. During the three-month implementation, a total of 56 information messages were sent to caregivers, 20 question messages were received from caregivers and 30 social interaction messages were sent by caregivers to the group. Conclusions: The proliferation of mobile phones in this resource-limited setting provided a feasible method for reducing the exclusion of PWD and caregivers. SMS was a useful tool for sharing information and reducing the isolation experienced by this socially excluded population.

Implications for Rehabilitation

• Mobile phones are a prevalent technology in many resource-limited settings; short message service (SMS) is a feasible tool for sharing information and reducing isolation experienced by people with disabilities (PWD) and their families.

• When developing technology-based projects in resource-limited settings, the field of rehabilitation could apply principles from the field of Information and Communication Technology for Development (ICT4D).

• Projects in resource-limited settings could consider using a community-based research (CBR) approach. This collaborative approach can enhance the contextual relevance of the project.

• Caregivers of PWD found the project to be both useful and meaningful, and as a result of the project became more involved in their community.

• Community-based research
• development
• disability
• information and communication technology for development
• mHealth
• mobile phone
• social exclusion

Declaration of interest

The authors report no declarations of interest. The authors would like to acknowledge the support of the following organizations: the University of Alberta International's International Project Fund for a travel grant for preliminary discussions in Bogota; Fondo de Investigacion Universidad del Rosario, Bogota for researcher support; and the International Special Interest group of the Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America for a travel grant for Francene Rodriguez Diaz to attend the Disability, Rehabilitation & Technology in Low to Middle Income Countries Symposium 2013.