A mobile application for early labour support -feasibility pilot study.

Antenatal education Blended care Early labour Feasbility study Mixed method Mobile application

Journal

Women and birth : journal of the Australian College of Midwives
ISSN: 1878-1799
Titre abrégé: Women Birth
Pays: Netherlands
ID NLM: 101266131

Informations de publication

Date de publication:
Nov 2023
Historique:
received: 27 12 2022
revised: 24 03 2023
accepted: 27 03 2023
pubmed: 9 4 2023
medline: 9 4 2023
entrez: 8 4 2023
Statut: ppublish

Résumé

Use of mobile applications (apps) are increasing during pregnancy but few of these are evidence-based or evaluated in research. To examine the feasibility, including perceived usefulness and usability, and the preliminary effects of an app based on the Confident birth method. A mixed-method approach, including 48 women, was used to evaluate acceptability, usability and to test study design and procedures. iPhone-users (n = 24) tested the app during pregnancy while the remaining (n = 24) formed a control group. Background characteristics and outcome measurements were collected from all women at baseline. Women in the app group received two follow-up phone calls from a midwife concerning usefulness and ease of use of the app. A follow-up questionnaire after birth were used to measure preliminary effects of the intervention as well as system usability of the app. Women using the app found the app exercises simple, understandable, and useful. System usability score showed a mean score of 85.3 indicating excellent system usability. Notes from phone calls resulted in four categories: positive feedback about the app, negative feedback about the app, partners involvement, and knowledge. Preliminary effects of labour experience showed no significant differences between the two groups, in terms of early labour or childbirth experience. The app tested in this feasibility study, was perceived as useful and appreciated by women. Areas for improvement of the app were identified. The result shows promise for further efficacy testing in a forthcoming randomised controlled trial.

Sections du résumé

BACKGROUND BACKGROUND
Use of mobile applications (apps) are increasing during pregnancy but few of these are evidence-based or evaluated in research.
AIM OBJECTIVE
To examine the feasibility, including perceived usefulness and usability, and the preliminary effects of an app based on the Confident birth method.
METHODS METHODS
A mixed-method approach, including 48 women, was used to evaluate acceptability, usability and to test study design and procedures. iPhone-users (n = 24) tested the app during pregnancy while the remaining (n = 24) formed a control group. Background characteristics and outcome measurements were collected from all women at baseline. Women in the app group received two follow-up phone calls from a midwife concerning usefulness and ease of use of the app. A follow-up questionnaire after birth were used to measure preliminary effects of the intervention as well as system usability of the app.
RESULTS RESULTS
Women using the app found the app exercises simple, understandable, and useful. System usability score showed a mean score of 85.3 indicating excellent system usability. Notes from phone calls resulted in four categories: positive feedback about the app, negative feedback about the app, partners involvement, and knowledge. Preliminary effects of labour experience showed no significant differences between the two groups, in terms of early labour or childbirth experience.
CONCLUSION CONCLUSIONS
The app tested in this feasibility study, was perceived as useful and appreciated by women. Areas for improvement of the app were identified. The result shows promise for further efficacy testing in a forthcoming randomised controlled trial.

Identifiants

DOI: 10.1016/j.wombi.2023.03.008 PMID: 37030985
pubmed: 37030985
pii: S1871-5192(23)00064-1
doi: 10.1016/j.wombi.2023.03.008
pii:
doi:

Types de publication

Journal Article

Langues

eng

Pagination

495-503

Informations de copyright

Copyright © 2023 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

Auteurs

Magdalena Fritzson (M)

Department of Children, Youth and Family Health, Region Värmland, Sweden; Karlstad University, Department of Health Science, Faculty of Health, Science, and Technology, Sweden.

Anna Nordin (A)

Karlstad University, Department of Health Science, Faculty of Health, Science, and Technology, Sweden; Department of Health, Education and Technology, Division of Nursing and Medical Technology, Lulea University of Technology, Lulea, Sweden.

Elin Børøsund (E)

Department of Digital Health Research, Division of Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway; Department of Nursing and Health Sciences, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, University of South-Eastern Norway, Drammen, Norway.

Margareta Johansson (M)

Department of Women's and Children's Health, Faculty of Medicine, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.

Cecilie Varsi (C)

Department of Digital Health Research, Division of Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway; Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, University of South-Eastern Norway, Drammen, Norway.

Karin Ängeby (K)

Centre for Clinical Research and Education, Region Värmland, Karlstad, Sweden; School of Education, Health and Social Studies, Dalarna University, Falun, Sweden. Electronic address: karin.angeby@regionvarmland.se.

Classifications MeSH