Lessons learned from developing and implementing digital health tools for self-managed abortion and sexual and reproductive healthcare in Canada, the United States, and Venezuela

Motivating and inhibiting factors influencing the application of mhealth technology in post-abortion care: a review study

“…According to the results, the articles included in the current research ( n = 16) were conducted in Canada [ 19 , 30 , 35 ], Kenya [ 38 ], Venezuela [ 39 ], Vietnam [ 40 ], Pakistan [ 41 ], Myanmar [ 42 ], Cambodia [ 20 , 43 – 46 ], Australia [ 47 ], Bangladesh [ 17 ], and South Africa [ 48 ] between 2014 and 2023. Among them, 13 articles (81.2%) discussed both motivating and inhibiting factors and three studies focused on motivating factors.…”

“…Motivating factors influencing the use of mhealth technology in post-abortion care were mentioned in all selected studies. The objectives of these studies were mainly related to the use of mhealth in preventing pregnancy after an abortion [ 17 , 19 , 39 – 45 ], the feasibility of using mhealth technology for post-abortion care [ 30 , 40 , 47 , 48 ], the cost-effectiveness of mhealth interventions after an abortion [ 46 ] and the use of mhealth in post-abortion family planning [ 20 ]. The analysis of the motivating and inhibiting factors across the diverse mHealth intervention studies reveals key insights into the adoption and success of these interventions.…”

“…Luigi-Bravo et al identified individual motivating factors such as increased access to information and easy access to accurate and timely information [ 19 ]. In two studies, an increased accessibility to post-abortion support, overcoming geographical barriers, and immediate post-abortion relief were reported [ 38 , 39 ].…”

“…In two studies, ease of receiving information through mobile phones, ease of using mobile phones, usability and comprehensiveness were found as important technical factors [ 30 , 48 ]. Luigi-Bravo et al emphasized the importance of a user-centered design in the implementation of mHealth interventions for post-abortion care [ 19 ]. Similarly, in the study conducted by Ngo et al, the significance of receiving automated educational messages for effective post-abortion care was highlighted [ 40 ].…”

“…This integration offers a chance to overcome healthcare barriers, especially in resource-limited regions, where comprehensive and timely access to care might be limited. Through the use of mHealth applications, individuals can bridge gaps in healthcare accessibility, promoting a patient-centric and continuous approach to post-abortion care [ 18 , 19 ]. Using mhealth technology, healthcare providers can use text messages, voice messages, and video calls to be in touch with patients [ 20 ], and patients can access medical information related to their condition at any time and place and can receive their required care [ 21 ].…”