Fort Severn DiabeTEXTs implementation
On the 16th of November, I traveled to Fort Severn and met with the community diabetes worker, Rebbecca. We went through the installation process to get Nokia PC Suite on the computer, and as well discussed how the phone would be used. Rebbecca saw potential in how the phone would benefit community members, such as to remind individuals about diabetes events and especially for the youth who have the majority of cell phones.
Some insights/issues that arose were:
· What’s my cell number? At the time, there was no way to know what the cell number of the phone was. We had to send a text where I would receive it later in Sioux Lookout. The number of the phone needs to be labelled before deployment.
· Universal Records List: one benefit of having the feedback form on the site was that Rebbecca could print it out, have a patient complete it, and then she could input the results later. In addition, patients could come into the clinic and fill out the form themselves. That way, one complete list could be compiled on the Moodle site.
· A list of predetermined texts: Rebbecca role as a diabetes worker mostly consists of organizing diabetes education events – her responsibility does not include reminders for medication, or making diabetes-related diagnoses. A list should be focused on educational promotion.
· Other uses: cell phones, especially in First Nations communities, have great potential in broadcasting messages to the majority of the community (particularly youth, as they are they are the ones who are most likely to own a cell phone). Other hypothetical uses include community event messaging, anonymous tips for crime, alcohol and drug abuse support, etc.
Overall, it was a great learning experience and Fort Severn is officially the first community as part of DiabeTEXTs!
