| Description |
The aim of this project was to pilot a mobile phone app for pregnant women that is evidence-based, informative for decision-making, and promotes physiological birth. Among medical apps, pregnancy apps are the most accessed and have the highest number of downloads and consumer ratings. One in every five searches through google is related to pregnancy. Despite the need for pregnancy information and popularity of internet use, no app exists that encourages or promotes midwifery care, therefore women are not informed of ways to promote physiological birth and often are unaware of the choices they may have in their care. Pregnant women have a need for additional information that extends beyond the health visit. Prenatal and postpartum health encounters are limited by time, leaving health providers unable to sufficiently address all potential learning needs; women then turn to the internet to fill these gaps. Research has shown that much of the available online information lacks references to substantiate evidence-based facts. This factor, among others, has contributed to the reluctance of midwives to recommend apps to patients. There is a strong need for an evidence-based, user friendly, mobile phone app that can fill the gap created by limited clinical information and will meet the need for reliable information. An app that exemplifies a midwifery approach to care will provide evidence-based information that emphasizes women's choices about their care, and thus will promote self-determination through informed decision-making. Evidence-based information that promotes physiologic birth and invites patient discussion will likely be endorsed by midwives. Objectives for this project included, 1) identification of educational topics and content for selected childbearing phases to pilot the app, 2) form the identified content into a demo app, 3) distribute the app to 15 pregnant women for trial and evaluation, 4) improve the app with user feedback 5) inform midwives of the app and its future availability. The project was implemented by selecting three discrete topics to trial in the areas of antepartum, intrapartum, and post-partum, gathering the essential evidence-based information in the selected areas and presenting it on a demo app. The information was tailored with appealing graphics and clear language that grasps the reader's attention. After IRB exemption, the demo app was piloted with 15 pregnant women who evaluated the content and ease of use with a short questionnaire after two weeks of reviewing the app. The 15 pregnant women were recruited via social media and word of mouth-they personally volunteered, tagged pregnant friends and family members, and provided personal contact information with consent to review the app. After reviewal of their feedback more content was incorporated into the app, more graphics were added, and forums were made for moms to communicate with another. Midwives in the area were introduced to the app components in a regional midwifery meeting held in April 2017. Every woman deserves choices during their pregnancy. Every woman needs resources that promote choice and empowerment during their pregnancy and beyond. A mobile app that promotes conversation with health providers, and is endorsed by midwives will likely lead to improved patient understanding and participation during the childbearing years. This project is the beginning step for a midwifery-focused app that will not only be informative to pregnant women but it will also market midwifery care to an increasing number of women who use electronic resources for health information. |
