Health Management in the Home: A Qualitative Study of Pregnant Women and Their Caregivers

Abstract

With growth in consumer health technologies, patients and caregivers have become increasingly involved in their health and medical care. Such health-related engagement often occurs at home. Pregnancy is a common condition and, for many women, their first exposure to health management practices. This study examined how pregnant women and caregivers managed health in their homes. Participants completed sociodemographic surveys and semi-structured interviews about living situation, information needs, and technology use. Using an iterative, inductive coding approach, we identified themes about health management, including the physical home, help at home, community, the virtual home, and biggest concerns. Most expectant mothers encountered everyday problems with mobility and household management. Pregnant women desired more assistance from caregivers, who often did not know how to help. Caregivers who provided help took on new roles. Many expectant families did not trust advice found online. Over half of expectant families had biggest concerns that involved the home.

Understanding the Needs of a Mobile Phone–Based Telemonitoring Program for Pregnant Women at High Risk for Pre-Eclampsia: Interpretive Qualitative Description Study

“…The limited body of qualitative evidence on end user needs and preferences to inform the design of TM programs could be a barrier to the successful development and implementation of more applicable, effective, and user-centric TM platforms [19][20][21][22]. A qualitative study conducted at Vanderbilt University Medical Center explored the practices, health needs, and strategies related to pregnancy care for pregnant women and caregivers to inform the development and implementation of health information technologies [23]. Most expectant mothers in the study encountered everyday problems with mobility and household management and desired more assistance from caregivers, who often did not know how to help.…”

Understanding the Needs of a Mobile Phone–Based Telemonitoring Program for Pregnant Women at High Risk for Pre-Eclampsia: Interpretive Qualitative Description Study (Preprint)

“…The limited body of qualitative evidence on end user needs and preferences to inform the design of TM programs could be a barrier to the successful development and implementation of more applicable, effective, and user-centric TM platforms [19][20][21][22]. A qualitative study conducted at Vanderbilt University Medical Center explored the practices, health needs, and strategies related to pregnancy care for pregnant women and caregivers to inform the development and implementation of health information technologies [23]. Most expectant mothers in the study encountered everyday problems with mobility and household management and desired more assistance from caregivers, who often did not know how to help.…”