A study to evaluate the effectiveness of Best Beginnings' Baby Buddy phone app in England: A protocol paper

Deave, Toity; Kendal, Sally; Lingam, Raghu; Day, Crispin; Goodenough, Trudy; Bailey, Elizabeth; Ginja, Sam; Nightingale, Sam; Coad, Jane

Abstract

© Cambridge University Press 2018. Introduction Developments in information and communication technologies have enabled electronic health and seen a huge expansion over the last decade. This has increased the possibility of self-management of health issues.Purpose To assess the effectiveness of the Baby Buddy app on maternal self-efficacy and mental well-being three months post-birth in a sample of mothers recruited antenatally. In addition, to explore when, why and how mothers use the app and consider any benefits the app may offer them in relation to their parenting, health, relationships or communication with their child, friends, family members or health professionals.Methods We will use a mixed-methods approach, a cohort study, a qualitative element and analysis of in-app data. Participants will be first-time pregnant women, aged 16 years and over, between 12 and 16 weeks of gestation and recruited from five English study sites.Evaluation plan We will compare maternal self-efficacy and mental health at three months post-delivery in mothers who have downloaded the Baby Buddy app compared with those that have not downloaded the app, controlling for confounding factors. Women will be recruited antenatally between 12 and 16 weeks of gestation. Further follow-ups will take place at 35 weeks of gestation and three months post-birth. Data from the cohort study will be supplemented by in-app data that will include, for example, patterns of usage. Qualitative data will assess the impact of the app on the lives of pregnant women and health professionals using both focus groups and interviews.Ethics Approval from the West Midlands-South Birmingham Research Ethics Committee (NRES) (16/WM/0029) and the University of the West of England, Bristol, Research Ethics Committee (HAS.16.08.001).Dissemination Findings of the study will be published in peer reviewed and professional journals, presented locally, nationally and at international conferences. Participants will receive a summary of the findings and the results will be published on Best Beginnings' website.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Apr 9, 2018
• Online Publication Date: Jul 23, 2018
• Publication Date: Jul 23, 2018
• Deposit Date: Aug 21, 2018
• Publicly Available Date: Jan 23, 2019
• Journal: Primary Health Care Research and Development
• Print ISSN: 1463-4236
• Electronic ISSN: 1477-1128
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 20
• Issue: e19
• Pages: 1-6
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/S1463423618000294
• Keywords: Best Beginnings, app, evaluation, parenting, pregnancy
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/864267
• Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S1463423618000294
• Contract Date: Aug 21, 2018