Logo image
Back
Development of a Health Text Message System to Support Stroke Prevention: A Component of the Love Your Brain Digital Platform
Journal article   Open access   Peer reviewed

Development of a Health Text Message System to Support Stroke Prevention: A Component of the Love Your Brain Digital Platform

Monique F. Kilkenny, Rosanne Freak-Poli, Catherine Burns, Jan Cameron, Tara Purvis, Mark R. Nelson, Stephanie Ho, Brenda Booth, Janet E. Bray, Lachlan L. Dalli, …
Health expectations : an international journal of public participation in health care and health policy, Vol.28(5), pp.1-13
10/2025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/hex.70471
PMID: 41117759
Appears in  Recent Faculty of Health Publications
pdf
Development of a Health Text Message System to Support Stroke Prevention806.06 kBDownloadView
Published (Version of record) Open CC BY V4.0
url
Development of a Health Text Message System to Support Stroke PreventionView
Published (Version of record) Open CC BY V4.0

Related links

Metrics

1 Record Views

Abstract

co-design consumer engagement digital health health communication mHealth stroke text message intervention
Objectives: Globally, stroke is a common cause of death and disability. More than 80% of strokes are reported to be preventable through effective management of modifiable risk factors. Text messages can encourage changes in health behaviour. The Love Your Brain project involves the development and evaluation of a digital health platform for stroke prevention in Australia. In this study, we aimed to develop a text message system and content for this digital platform. Method: The first phase involved reviewing a repository of existing health promotion messages from prior research on stroke. The second phase included co‐designing the content and delivery of the messaging system with community members (n = 12) and health knowledge experts (n = 10) through 16 focus groups. New messages were then developed and formatted. These messages were reviewed by subject matter experts, then adjusted for reading age ≤ Grade 10. The final phase included the development of the messaging platform. Results: Among 1500+ pre‐existing messages reviewed for suitability, ≈10% were adapted for primary prevention. Focus group participants reported that receiving messages on weekdays was preferred and 'having a choice' was beneficial. No consensus was reached regarding message frequency. Weblinks and shorteners were felt to be untrustworthy by participants; therefore, a Love Your Brain website using one hyperlink was developed. New messages were co‐designed and personalised with greetings and sign‐offs to increase engagement. All messages were revised by at least three of eight experts. After editing, 98% were readable at ≤ Grade 10 reading age and 79% at ≤ Grade 8. A REDCap message platform was built to enable personalisation at any timeregarding the selection of ‘healthy choices’ relevant to participants' risk factors and preferences for the number of messagesper week.Conclusion: Integrating prior research and co‐design enriched the text message platform, including content and delivery. Thissystem can be adapted for other conditions and cultural needs to deliver relevant health information.Patient or Public Contribution: People with lived experience of stroke including family/caregivers. and members of thepublic, actively participated in the co‐design focus groups. The Love Your Brain Management Committee includes people withlived experience of stroke who work in partnership with researchers and clinicians to provide oversight of all stages of the studyand the preparation of this manuscript.

Details

Logo image