Digital health intervention for postpartum contraception
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Acceptability of a digital health intervention to empower and inform about postpartum contraception and facilitate access: a pilot study
IRAS ID
310285
Contact name
Michelle Cooper
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Edinburgh
ISRCTN Number
ISRCTN48521918
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
This research is about evaluating a new way of providing information to pregnant women about contraception after childbirth. Contraception is an important part of pregnancy care as many women experience an unplanned pregnancy in the months after childbirth and a gap of less than a year between pregnancies can is linked to complications for mothers and babies in the next pregnancy. We know that it can be difficult to access consistent and reliable information about their contraceptive options in a convenient way and that making and attending appointments to start contraception can be more difficult when looking after a new baby. We are therefore looking at ways that might make this easier, including the use of technology in addition to current care pathways.
At present, most contraceptive discussions takes place with a midwife or doctor during an antenatal clinic visit. In this study, we will evaluate adding in a short audio-visual animation and package of text messages alerts/links. Previous research has shown that women like to receive health information this way and it helps them to remember key facts. It can also be easily subtitled and translated into different languages and may be more accessible to patients. By providing clear, consistent and accurate information about fertility and contraception after childbirth, as well as signposting to other reliable sources, we hope to empower and inform women about their choices and simplify the process of starting contraception after having a baby.
This study will evaluate the acceptability of this intervention and its effect on contraceptive decision-making and uptake compared to standard care. We also want to find out more about about the views and experiences of pregnant women receiving this new intervention to help us develop this service further in the future as a possible routine part of antenatal care.
REC name
South East Scotland REC 01
REC reference
22/SS/0036
Date of REC Opinion
23 May 2022
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion