Assessing women's and health professionals' views on developing a midwifery-led mobile health app intervention in pregnancy: A descriptive qualitative study

AimsTo explore women's and health professionals' views on the development of a midwifery-led mHealth app intervention in antenatal care and their demands for app functionality.DesignDescriptive qualitative research was utilized.MethodsIn total, 15 pregnant or postpartum women were interviewed via in-depth interviews and 10 health professionals including obstetricians, midwives and obstetric nurses were invited to participate in a focus group discussion (FGD). All interviews and the FGD were analysed using qualitative content analysis.ResultsFour key themes emerged from the data, including (1) limitations of current maternity care services; (2) potential benefits for mHealth app-based midwifery care; (3) possible challenges for providing midwifery care through mHealth apps and (4) suggestions and needs for developing a midwifery-led mHealth app. Participants agreed on the potential need of developing a midwifery-led mHealth app in antenatal care to increase access to midwifery care services and to meet women's diverse needs. Participants preferred to develop professional, reliable, full-featured and interactive mobile applications. The main functions of midwifery-led mHealth apps included personalized assessment and health education, self-monitoring and feedback, data sharing and interactive functions. Women mentioned that online communication and consultation with midwives could help them receive continuous support outside facilities. Health professionals expressed it would be of great convenience and timeliness to send personalized messages to women and to inform them of healthy lifestyles during pregnancy. The challenges included a shortage of human resources, medico-legal risks associated with mHealth and data security risks.ConclusionsThis study explores the individual views and functional needs of target users and healthcare providers for developing a midwifery-led mHealth app in antenatal care, which will serve as a reference for future application development.ImpactOur study has important and practical implications for guiding the development of future midwifery-led mHealth app interventions.Patient or Public ContributionNo patient or public contribution.