Development of a multicomponent app
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Development of a multi-component App for use in Pregnancy
IRAS ID
307868
Contact name
Katherine L. Tucker
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Oxford / Research Governance, Ethics and Assurance
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 10 months, 31 days
Research summary
Summary of research
This research will support the development of a multi-component app for pregnant women. The app will contain support for self-monitoring of blood pressure, self-management of antihypertensive medication and self-testing of urinary protein along with associated training materials. We will explore what is needed within a system of telemonitoring and will test this with a small group of women and health care professionals. The project will use interviews, think aloud sessions and focus groups with both women and health care professionals drawn from participating NHS Trust sites in England.Summary of results
Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy affect around ten percent of pregnancies and are a major cause of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. In this study, we aimed to develop and optimise a digital intervention to support self-monitoring and management for those with hypertensive pregnancy. The intervention developed includes blood pressure monitoring, BP management (adjustment of mediation), and urine testing alongside trusted information about hypertension and anti-hypertensive medications.Drawing on previous experience, relevant literature, and input from PPI and stakeholder groups, an initial outline intervention was developed (including an app and supporting materials). Think-aloud interviews and focus groups with pregnant women and healthcare professionals were used to provide feedback on the content, look, usability, and language.
We found that the concept of the intervention was acceptable to both pregnant people and their healthcare professionals. Our process of iterative development focused on how the intervention could work in current care pathways and within the lives of pregnant women to support behaviour change. The research has led to in-depth insight and a range of modifications to our intervention to improve the acceptability and feasibility of the intervention, including clear timelines for action for the women who monitor and clear NICE-evidenced guidance to support action by healthcare professionals.
The My Pregnancy Care intervention includes a smartphone app and an information leaflet to support self-monitoring, self-management, and use of the app. By addressing barriers to behaviour change while ensuring the intervention is easy to engage with, persuasive, and acceptable, we hope the intervention will support ease of monitoring and management and collaboration between both healthcare professionals and women in a way that supports clinical action and therefore improved clinical outcomes.
REC name
North West - Preston Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
22/NW/0175
Date of REC Opinion
1 Jul 2022
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion