SCOPE was developed as an interactive computer software simulation programme, and has been redeveloped as a planning tool that assists users in designing and implementing effective health communication projects in their countries.

SCOPE uses as its basic framework the "P-Process", the five step health communication planning process developed at JHU/CCP. Participants use relevant programme, audience and media research to design and plan their programme. They select audiences, types of research, media and messages to maximise the impact of campaigns on public health knowledge, attitudes and behavior.

SCOPE is a process of discovery, assimilation of information, creativity, and learning by doing. Through an interactive software interface SCOPE allows people to design, implement, and evaluate effective health communication projects directly on the computer.

The SCOPE experience encourages health communicators to:

• Appreciate carefully analysed data as the scientific basis for planning.
• Acquire a multi-stage approach to communication planning that takes into account the audience, resources, and state of health communication activities in a given region.
• Achieve a sense of empowerment in using computer simulation and other research and management tools.
• Understand how these tools can identify and analyse cost-effective communication interventions before trying to implement them on a large scale in the field.