Innovating Contraception Access: How Digital Counselling is Breaking Barriers for Underserved Communities
Innovation is essential to tackle the various challenges that impact people's lives in today’s world. And one area where innovation has made significant strides is family planning in low and middle-income countries (LMICs). Thanks to digital counselling, families in LMICs can now access family planning information and receive quality advice from healthcare professionals without ever leaving their homes. This groundbreaking approach has broken down barriers for underserved communities, especially those living in rural areas or with limited resources and time available. Now, they can get the care they need, when they need it, all while avoiding the costly travel expenses associated with physical appointments at clinics. Let’s explore how digital counselling is transforming contraception access and improving healthcare outcomes in LMICs.
The Impact of Digital Counselling on Family Planning Beliefs, Uptake, and Continuation Rates in LMICs
The positive impact of digital counselling on family planning beliefs, uptake, and continuation rates cannot be overemphasised. Research has shown that virtual sessions tend to improve attitudes towards contraception use among individuals. Furthermore, studies have demonstrated increased contraceptive uptake among participants after participating in online consultations. This suggests that digital interventions offer valuable information about contraceptive options and help reduce any stigma related to using them. Additionally, there appears to be evidence indicating improved continuation rates among users, suggesting better outcomes overall from virtual consultations compared to traditional methods alone.
For instance, in one study, mobile phone text messages were used as a form of digital counselling among married women living in rural India. The results showed that those who received SMS messages were more likely than non-users to hold favourable attitudes towards modern contraception methods and less likely to report concerns related to side effects or health risks associated with using contraceptives. Furthermore, they reported higher levels of satisfaction with their contraceptive method compared to those who did not receive SMS messages from the programme providers. Another study examined how video messaging could be used by health workers providing antenatal care for pregnant mothers living in Ethiopia's Amhara region. Results indicated that participants exposed to video messaging had greater knowledge about postnatal care practices such as breastfeeding techniques than those receiving face-to-face counselling alone or no counselling at all.
Human-Centred Design Solutions: Spindle Design's Approach to Digital Counselling
The importance of market research in developing viable solutions cannot be overstated. By understanding the unique needs of the target audience, human-centred design solutions can be created that are effective, accessible, and sustainable. This is where Spindle Design comes in as your partner for human-centred design solutions. Our team of experts works with clients to design digital interventions that are tailored to the unique needs of their target audiences. By taking a design thinking approach, we ensure that our solutions are user-centred, scalable, and cost-effective.
Digital counselling has a significant impact on family planning beliefs, uptake, and continuation rates in LMICs. It provides access to family planning services for those who may otherwise lack it due to geographical or financial constraints. Spindle Design can help you design digital interventions that are tailored to the unique needs of your target audience. Our human-centred design solutions ensure that your digital interventions are effective, accessible, and sustainable. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you transform your digital counselling services. Let's work together to make a positive impact on the lives of families in LMICs.