Previously submitted to: JMIR Formative Research (no longer under consideration since Apr 23, 2018)
Date Submitted: Feb 26, 2018
Open Peer Review Period: Feb 27, 2018 - Apr 23, 2018
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Virtual Breastfeeding Support via Mobile App: Perspectives of Rural Mothers, Their Care Providers, and Lactation Consultants
Background:
Rural-urban disparities exist in breastfeeding rates and availability of lactation support. Direct-to-consumer telelactation that uses two-way video via smartphones and tablets have the potential to increase access to international board certified lactation consultants (IBCLCs) in rural settings that lack them.
Objective:
To describe the feasibility and acceptability of direct-to-consumer telelactation for rural mothers.
Methods:
We conducted semi-structured interviews among various stakeholders involved in a study exploring the impact of telelactation via mobile phone app in rural Pennsylvania. Interviewees included mother participants assigned to receive telelactation (n=17), IBCLCs employed by the telelactation vendor (n=7), and nurses (n=2) and physicians (n=1) caring for mother participants at the recruitment hospital. Thematic content analysis was used to analyze qualitative data.
Results:
Interviewees reported that telelactation was convenient and efficient, provided a needed service in rural areas lacking breastfeeding support services, and increased maternal breastfeeding confidence. Barriers to use included maternal reluctance to conduct video calls with an unknown provider, preference for community-based breastfeeding resources, and technical issues including limited WiFi in rural areas. IBCLCs noted telelactation enhanced communication and was preferable to telephone (audio)-based consults.
Conclusions:
Among rural women who experience inequitable access to qualified breastfeeding support resources, direct-to-consumer telelactation appears to be an acceptable delivery model for lactation assistance.
ClinicalTrial:
NCT02870413
Citation
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