Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health
Volume 20, Issue 5, 2018, Pages 1128-1136

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 (Article)

Borsari L.* , Stancanelli G. , Guarenti L. , Grandi T. , Leotta S. , Barcellini L. , Borella P. , Benski A.C.
  • a Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Section of Public Health, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
  • b Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
  • c Freelance Editor, Vicenza, Italy
  • d Freelance Editor, London, United Kingdom
  • e Italian Red Cross, Catania, Italy
  • f Emerging Bacterial Pathogens Unit, Division of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
  • g Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Section of Public Health, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
  • h Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland

Abstract

Innovative migrant-friendly tools are needed to assist health personnel manage the high number of pregnancies within reception centers. 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’ adherence 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 migrants, facilitating the continuity of care for a population undergoing frequent relocations. © 2017, Springer Science+Business Media, LLC.

Author Keywords

Migrants Pregnancy Mobile health Antenatal care Mhealth

Index Keywords

Medically Underserved Area refugee health care planning prenatal care Sicily human Refugees Feasibility Studies Patient Education as Topic Young Adult mobile application Mobile Applications Humans Adolescent female Socioeconomic Factors Electronic Health Records socioeconomics pregnancy patient satisfaction electronic health record patient education feasibility study organization and management adult health care quality Quality of Health Care Medical History Taking anamnesis Telemedicine
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85034247698&doi=10.1007%2fs10903-017-0669-2&partnerID=40&md5=edb0240a429d9427e974002fc097b63f
DOI: 10.1007/s10903-017-0669-2
ISSN: 15571912
Cited by: 2
Original Language: English