A mobile application for early labour support -feasibility pilot study

Magdalena Fritzson; Anna Nordin; Elin Børøsund; Margareta Johansson; Cecilie Varsi; Karin Ängeby

doi:10.1016/j.wombi.2023.03.008

A mobile application for early labour support -feasibility pilot study

Women Birth. 2023 Nov;36(6):495-503. doi: 10.1016/j.wombi.2023.03.008. Epub 2023 Apr 6.

Authors

Magdalena Fritzson¹, Anna Nordin², Elin Børøsund³, Margareta Johansson⁴, Cecilie Varsi⁵, Karin Ängeby⁶

Affiliations

¹ Department of Children, Youth and Family Health, Region Värmland, Sweden; Karlstad University, Department of Health Science, Faculty of Health, Science, and Technology, Sweden.
² 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.
³ 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.
⁴ Department of Women's and Children's Health, Faculty of Medicine, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
⁵ 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.
⁶ 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.

PMID: 37030985
DOI: 10.1016/j.wombi.2023.03.008

Abstract

Background: Use of mobile applications (apps) are increasing during pregnancy but few of these are evidence-based or evaluated in research.

Aim: To examine the feasibility, including perceived usefulness and usability, and the preliminary effects of an app based on the Confident birth method.

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: 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: 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.

Keywords: Antenatal education; Blended care; Early labour; Feasbility study; Mixed method; Mobile application.