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PretermConnect: Leveraging mobile technology to mitigate social disadvantage in the NICU and beyond.

CPQCC Publication
TitlePretermConnect: Leveraging mobile technology to mitigate social disadvantage in the NICU and beyond.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2021
AuthorsJani SG, Nguyen AD, Abraham Z, Scala M, Blumenfeld YJ, Morton J, Nguyen M, Ma J, Hsing JC, Moiwa-Grant M, Profit J, C Wang J
JournalSemin Perinatol
Volume45
Issue4
Pagination151413
Date Published2021 06
ISSN1558-075X
KeywordsFemale, Humans, Infant, Infant Mortality, Infant, Newborn, Intensive Care Units, Neonatal, Postpartum Period, Pregnancy, Premature Birth, Technology
Abstract

Preterm birth (PTB) - delivery prior to 37-weeks gestation - disproportionately affects low-income and minority populations and leads to substantial infant morbidity and mortality. The time following a PTB represents an optimal window for targeted interventions that encourage mothers to prioritize their own health and that of their babies. Healthcare teams can leverage digital strategies to address maternal and infant needs in this postpartum period, both in the neonatal intensive care unit and beyond. We therefore developed PretermConnect, a mobile app designed to educate, engage, and empower women at risk for PTB. This article describes the participant-centered design approach of PretermConnect, with preliminary findings from focus groups and co-design sessions in different community settings and suggested future directions for mobile technologies in population health. Apps such as PretermConnect can mitigate social disadvantage by serving as remote monitoring tools, providing social support, preventing recurrent PTB and lowering infant mortality rates.

DOI10.1016/j.semperi.2021.151413
Alternate JournalSemin Perinatol
PubMed ID33888330
Grant ListR01 HD084667 / HD / NICHD NIH HHS / United States