Mobile application as a prenatal education and engagement tool: A randomized controlled pilot

Objectives: Research has shown that mobile applications provide a powerful alternative to traditional paper diaries; however, little data exists in comparing apps to the traditional mode of paper as a patient education and engagement tool in the clinical setting. This study was designed to compare the effectiveness of a mobile app versus a spiral-notebook guide throughout prenatal care. Methods: This randomized (n = 173) controlled pilot was conducted at an East Coast community hospital. Chi-square and repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to test intervention effects in the sample of 127 pregnant mothers who completed their prenatal care in the healthcare system. Results: Patients who were distributed the mobile application used the tool to record information about pregnancy more frequently (p =04) and developed greater patient activation (p =02) than patients who were distributed notebooks. No difference was detected on interpersonal clinical communication. Conclusion: A mobile application successfully activated a patient population in which self-management is a critical factor. Practice implications: This study shows that mobile apps can prompt greater use and result in more activated patients. Findings may be translated to other patient populations who receive recurring care for chronic disease.