Key points are not available for this paper at this time.
Abstract Background Reducing maternal mortality in low-resource settings remains a priority in achieving the Sustainable Development Goal 3. The provision of antenatal care is an essential pillar in maternal health care. Digital health applications, which target midwives providing antenatal care, can assist workers in low-resource settings by providing access to quality tools and education for evidence-based care. This study aimed to identify mobile apps for midwives focusing on antenatal care and assessed their quality and suitability for use in low-resource settings. Methods A systematic mapping of mobile apps accessible on Google Play Store was performed using pre-defined search terms related to midwifery and antenatal care. Inclusion criteria based on numbers of downloads, English language, free of cost, and thematic focus, resulted in 15 apps for evaluation. The quality of apps and suitability for use in low-resource settings was assessed using two frameworks. An individual score was calculated for each app and a ranking was performed. Results Of the 15 apps identified, the focus was on educational content (n = 10), antenatal care measurement tools (n = 4), and patient documentation (n = 1). The quality of apps overall ranged between 1.77–4.80 points, with a maximum of 5 points. Suitability for low-resource settings was favourable in that the majority of the apps were available offline (n = 11), however, only some offered additional languages (n = 5), and few integrated cultural diversity and sensitivity (n = 2). All apps integrated at least one of WHO’s recommendations for a positive pregnancy, suggesting the apps were somewhat suitable for midwives delivering antenatal care; although no apps referenced WHO or referred to national clinical guidelines. Conclusions Significant gaps in the availability of apps targeting midwives represented a missed opportunity in the digital health landscape. Only two apps holistically implemented WHO antenatal care recommendations, and were rated high quality. No apps combined educational content and tools; or connected the midwife and pregnant woman. This review demonstrated that while there are several comprehensive apps targeting midwives, the minority of these are focusing on antennal care in low-resource settings and would benefit from further resources, development and regulation.
Panman et al. (Mon,) studied this question.