JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Modifiable health risks in pregnancy, including smoking, alcohol consumption, gestational weight gain outside recommended ranges, poor dietary intake and physical inactivity, are well established contributors to adverse obstetric outcomes. Although antenatal care guidelines recommend addressing these risks throughout pregnancy, antenatal providers often find it difficult to deliver preventive care within time limited appointments. Hybrid models that combine in person care with digital platforms offer a promising solution to address these barriers, yet little research has explored consumer and provider views on the preferred content and features of such platforms.

Objective:

To explore consumer and provider perspectives on the ideal content and functionality of a digital platform to deliver preventive care within a hybrid antenatal model.

Methods:

A descriptive qualitative study was conducted in May and June 2024 across two regional maternity services in New South Wales, Australia. Two workshops were held with recently pregnant consumers and two with antenatal providers. Purposive sampling was used, with targeted recruitment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. Data from structured group activities, observation notes, and audio recordings were thematically analysed using a deductive approach guided by an existing framework that examined what content the platform should include, how it should be delivered, and why it was needed.

Results:

Twenty-three consumers and twelve antenatal providers participated. Participants identified the need for digital risk assessments and for evidence-based, personalised information and practical resources. They emphasised a requirement for clear support options and extending content into labour, birth, and the postnatal period. Early access to the platform, reminders linked to appointments, and integration with routine antenatal care were viewed as important. Tracking, personalisation, multiple content formats, filtering functions, and sharing options were highlighted as desirable features. Participants described gaps in information early in pregnancy and noted that modifiable health risks were often not addressed in routine antenatal care. They also reported that digital assessments could reduce stigma and support more honest disclosure, and that a hybrid model of care could enhance communication between consumers and providers.

Conclusions:

Consumers and providers identified key content and functionality for a digital platform to deliver preventive care within a hybrid model of antenatal care. Prioritising credible and culturally tailored content, early access to information that helps address modifiable health risks, and integration with routine antenatal care will be important for developing acceptable and sustainable digital solutions. As these insights were generated during the development stage, future research should examine real world implementation, including uptake, engagement, and how well the platform fits into the workflows and processes of antenatal care.