Smartphone-based prenatal education for parents with preterm birth risk factors.
U Olivia Kim, K Barnekow, S I Ahamed and 5 others
PMID 30396713WHAT IT FOUND
Parents at risk for preterm birth said a smartphone education app gave important new information. 94% reported improved knowledge and preparedness, and 21% reported anxiety.
It is feasible, not proven to improve care.
Key findings
01All 28 parents who completed the exit survey reported the app provided important, new information and would benefit families.
0294% reported improved and enhanced medical knowledge and preparedness.
03App use data were available for 15 of 28 participants; over the 4-week study period, the 15 participants accessed the app for an average of 8 hours, with individual use ranging from 6 minutes to 14 hours.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for RNs
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What it does not show
There was no comparison group, so reported improvements in knowledge or preparedness cannot be separated from normal pregnancy education, provider counseling, or the passage of time. The sample was small and limited to English-literate smartphone owners with no plan to change phones or travel, so results may not apply to many parents. App use data were available for only 15 of 28 participants, so actual engagement is uncertain. Outcomes were mostly yes or no survey responses and open comments, not measured effects on birth outcomes or healthcare decisions. Birth gestational age was known for only 15 of the 18 mothers. The study was designed to test feasibility, not efficacy.
Declared interests
Authors declared no relevant conflicts of interest. The article is listed as supported by NIH extramural research funding.
The easy way to misread this
Do not read 94% reporting improved knowledge as proof the app improves birth outcomes or healthcare decisions; the study had no comparison group and only tested feasibility in 28 parents.