A mixed-methods study exploring women’s perceptions and recommendations for a pregnancy app with monitoring tools

Abstract

Digital health tools such as apps are being increasingly used by women to access pregnancy-related information. Conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic, this study investigated: (i) pregnant women’s current usage of digital health tools to self-monitor and (ii) their interest in theoretical pregnancy app features (a direct patient-to-healthcare-professional communication tool and a body measurement tool). Using a mixed methods approach, 108 pregnant women were surveyed and 15 currently or recently pregnant women were interviewed online. We found that pregnant women used digital health tools to mainly access pregnancy related information and less so to self-monitor. Most participants were interested and enthusiastic about a patient-to-healthcare-professional communication tool. About half of the survey participants (49%) felt comfortable using a body measurement tool to monitor their body parts and 80% of interview participants were interested in using the body measurement to track leg/ankle swelling. Participants also shared additional pregnancy app features that they thought would be beneficial such as a “Digital Wallet” and a desire for a holistic pregnancy app that allowed for more continuous and personalised care. This study highlights the gaps and needs of pregnant women and should inform all stakeholders designing pregnancy digital healthcare. This study offers a unique insight into the needs of pregnant women during a very particular and unique period in human history.

Parent and clinician perceptions and recommendations on a pediatric cancer pain management app: A qualitative co-design study

“…Our participants also recommended the implementation of app health disclaimers, aligning with current health app guidance to disclose possible risks to users and include warnings that apps are not intended to replace health professional care [ 45 ]. Parents in our study particularly emphasized their preference that the app support direct communication with their child’s clinical team—a finding that is consistent across studies within [ 13 , 44 ] and outside of [ 46 ] digital cancer care. Attention must be paid to the content and frequency of app-mediated communications between clinicians and families and these factors considered in app quality assurance protocols [ 34 ] and clinical staffing profiles [ 46 ].…”

“…Parents in our study particularly emphasized their preference that the app support direct communication with their child’s clinical team—a finding that is consistent across studies within [ 13 , 44 ] and outside of [ 46 ] digital cancer care. Attention must be paid to the content and frequency of app-mediated communications between clinicians and families and these factors considered in app quality assurance protocols [ 34 ] and clinical staffing profiles [ 46 ].…”

“…Studies of high burden apps often include high participant attrition, which is rooted in the fundamental challenges of keeping participants engaged in intervention use over time [ 47 ]. Further, the work of deploying digital health tools within routine clinical workflows is notoriously challenging [ 46 ] and requires carefully conceptualized and contextualized action plans [ 48 ]. Difficulties in setting app-based pain thresholds for clinician-driven pain management support will require a personalized approach to pain care and the ability to tailor co-designed digital interventions to the needs of unique users and contexts.…”

Digital versus non-digital health interventions to improve iron supplementation in pregnant women: a systematic review and meta-analysis

“…This investigation could include, but is not limited to, mobile applications, smart devices, remote monitoring systems, among others. By comparing the effectiveness of different digital technologies, we can gain a more comprehensive understanding of which tools are most effective for different subgroups of pregnant women, allowing for personalised optimisation of digital health interventions to meet the specific needs of diverse cohorts of people ( 45 , 46 ). These tailored intervention approaches promise to play a crucial role in future maternal health management, providing more effective clinical support to improve adherence to oral iron supplementation and prevent anaemia.…”

Understanding and Involving the Perspective of Pregnant Women as Users When Designing the Framework of e-Health and Exercise Interventions during Pregnancy: Preliminary Study

“…Digital health tools such as applications (apps) are being increasingly used by women to access pregnancy-related information [ 10 ]. Health and exercise technology (e-health) may address some physical activity and exercise barriers, promote health education, and deliver effective and scalable interventions during pregnancy.…”