TY  - JOUR
AU  - Moosa, Aminath Shiwaza
AU  - Ngeow, Alvin Jia Hao
AU  - Yang, Yuhan
AU  - Poon, Zhimin
AU  - Ng, Ding Xuan
AU  - Yi Ling, Eileen Koh
AU  - Tan, Ngiap Chuan
PY  - 2023
DA  - 2023/12/22
TI  - A Novel Smartphone App for Self-Monitoring of Neonatal Jaundice Among Postpartum Mothers: Qualitative Research Study
JO  - JMIR Mhealth Uhealth
SP  - e53291
VL  - 11
KW  - neonatal jaundice screening
KW  - mobile health
KW  - usability
KW  - primary care
KW  - neonatology
KW  - neonatal
KW  - care
KW  - self-monitoring
KW  - monitoring
KW  - smartphone application
KW  - application
KW  - app
KW  - mHealth app
KW  - users
KW  - screening
KW  - postpartum
KW  - postpartum mother
KW  - utility
KW  - data management
KW  - applicability
KW  - teleconsultation
KW  - neonatal jaundice
KW  - mHealth
AB  - Background: Neonatal jaundice (NNJ) or hyperbilirubinemia is a ubiquitous condition in newborn infants. Currently, the transcutaneous bilirubinometer is used to screen for NNJ in health care facilities, where neonates need to be physically present (ie, a centralized model of care for NNJ screening). Mobile health (mHealth) apps present a low-cost, home-based, and noninvasive system that could facilitate self-monitoring of NNJ and could allow mothers the convenience of screening for NNJ remotely. However, end users’ acceptability of such mHealth apps is of fundamental importance before the incorporation of such apps into clinical practice. Objective: The study aimed to explore the perception of postpartum mothers toward self-monitoring of NNJ using a novel mHealth app. Methods: Mothers attending video consultations for early postpartum care at 2 Singapore primary care clinics watched an instructional video for a hyperbilirubinemia-screening mHealth app (HSMA). An independent researcher used a semistructured topic guide to conduct in-depth interviews with 25 mothers, assessing their views on HSMAs. All interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, and checked for accuracy before data analysis. Two researchers independently analyzed the transcripts via thematic analysis. Data were managed using NVivo qualitative data management software. Results: The identified themes were grouped under perceived usability and utility. Mothers valued the convenience and utility of HSMAs for remote monitoring of NNJ. They appreciated the objectivity the app readings provided compared to visual inspection. However, they perceived that the app’s applicability would be restricted to severe jaundice, were concerned about its accuracy and restriction to the English language, and lacked confidence in using it. Nevertheless, they were willing to use it once its accuracy was proven and when they received adequate guidance from health care professionals. They also suggested including an action plan for the measured readings and clinical signs within the app. Mothers proposed pairing teleconsultations with HSMAs to boost their confidence and enhance adoption. Conclusions: Mothers were receptive to using HSMAs but had concerns. Multiple languages, proof of accuracy, and resources to guide users should be incorporated into the app in the next phase to increase its successful adoption. Complementing such apps with a teleconsultation service presents a plausible and pragmatic NNJ care delivery model in general practice. 
SN  - 2291-5222
UR  - https://mhealth.jmir.org/2023/1/e53291
UR  - https://doi.org/10.2196/53291
UR  - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38153797
DO  - 10.2196/53291
ID  - info:doi/10.2196/53291
ER  -