Evaluation of the EVE app in maternity care at Western Health

The development of mobile phone technology for the purposes of supporting health care is growing in popularity. There is a vast range of mobile phone applications (apps) to provide health education and empower pregnant women. A large metropolitan hospital introduced a mobile app called EVE to fulfill a recognised deficit in antenatal education. The aim of the study was to evaluate women’s use and satisfaction with the app. A review of data associated with the usage of the app was examined, as well as a prospective survey to determine women’s use and satisfaction with the app. Installation of the app was undertaken by 54% of women. A total of 705 women responded to the survey. Most of the women who responded had given birth (41.8%) or were under 28 weeks pregnant (25.3%). Almost 80% of respondents had downloaded the app. Of those who did not download the app, 45.3% were aware that a link was sent from the hospital. Most women agreed that there was enough information on the app and the various types of information and tools were useful. Over 90% of the women agreed that the app was a useful resource and that they would recommend it to other women. Most women (>90%) agreed or strongly agreed that the installation of the app was easy, they trusted the security, trusted the content of the app, and that the content was relevant and easy to find. Usage varied from daily (25.8%), to 1-2 times per week (34%), to never (2.9%). Whilst the app provides reliable information and links for women, it is important that staff continue to inform women about it and encourage participation. Future enhancements include a chat with a midwife function, an appointment tracker, integrated antenatal records, an instruction sheet on installing and functions available in the app, and being available in other languages.