OVERVIEW
THIS IS A TECHNICAL DOCUMENT (Not A User Manual)
This document has been created to help developers and the algorithm owners to maintain the structure of the C4C backend.
It provides descriptions of the structure and content of the files used by the algorithm engine, and guidance on what can be changed and by whom, including suggested tools that could be used to update the different components.
Additionally, it provides guidance on how to manage the localisation using the POEditor service.
CONTRACEPTIVE COUNSELING,
THE CONSUMER-POWERED WAY
This algorithm is an implementation of the logic for Counseling for Choice (C4C) contraception decision tree. It can be implemented on chatbots or websites, guiding a user through a digital contraceptive counselling session so a short list of family planning methods can be recommended. The final recommendation is based on the answers given to a series of questions about personal preferences.
The algorithm is based on PSI’s Choice Book, providing clients with self-guided contraceptive counselling that can be accessed digitally, on-demand, at their convenience, and in the digital format of their choice to prepare them before their visit with a health provider.
To start, the client initiates a conversation via a messaging app-based channel and the virtual assistant introduces itself and the digital C4C tool. Alternative on a web site
Once the client answers a few questions about her basic demographics including age and gender and consents to the tool’s terms and conditions, the client can answer a series of questions about her preferences to guide them to a recommendation of 2-3 contraceptive methods that may be right for them, along with further information about those methods.
Following this digital C4C counselling session, the client can use the information obtained to have a more informed conversation with the health provider during a subsequent visit to obtain the method of choice.
Contraception is a touchy, complex and difficult subject to discuss at the best of times, overcoming the contraception taboo in many countries, cultures, societies, families and relationships is still a difficult challenge. This is due to a number of factors, including a lack of openness to a discussion about contraception in communities where religious, cultural, economic, social and family influences make it difficult or impossible to have the conversation.
C4C is a digital tool that will allow clients to both explore their contraceptive options, obtain relevant information and knowledge as well as prepare for their first visit with a family planning service provider.
PSI has developed a digital solution, Counseling 4 Choice (C4C), that can be accessed by clients using a smartphone or computer, at a time that suits them, in private, without fear, without restriction, without external influences preventing them from having the conversation and most importantly, still respecting and in keeping with the clients religious, cultural, social, relationship needs and beliefs.
C4C allows clients to answer a set of simple questions at their leisure, the questions can be presented to the client as either an embedded ChatBot or an interactive webpage as shown below;
PSI has developed an algorithm which developers can implement in a bot conversation or website which guides a client through some questions to produce individualised contraceptive recommendations based on the client’s choices.