An Innovative Mobile Health System to Improve and Standardize Antenatal Care Among Underserved Communities: A Feasibility Study in an Italian Hosting Center for Asylum Seekers

This study tests functionality and acceptability of a new mHealth system in providing antenatal care amongst migrants. The study, carried out between 2014 and 2016, involved 150 pregnant women residing in the largest European migrant reception center in Sicily. A ticket tracking system assessed the system ’s functionality and a questionnaire assessed women’s acceptability. The system facilitated the collection of clinical data, enabling the creation of electronic patient records and identifying 10% of pregnancies as high-risk. The application’s digital format increased health providers’ adher ence to antenatal-care recommendations, while the graphic interface facilitated women’s engagement and retention of the health education modules. The study recorded a 91.9% patient satisfaction rate. The system was efficient in providing comprehensive and high-quality antenatal care amongst migran ts, facilitating the continuity of care for a population undergoing frequent relocations.
Source: Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health - Category: International Medicine & Public Health Source Type: research