Use of a mobile app to capture supplemental health information during pregnancy: Implications for clinical research

Abstract

PurposeMobile applications (- apps- ) may be efficient tools for improving the quality of clinical research among pregnant women, but evidence is sparse. We assess the feasibility and generalizability of a mobile app for capturing supplemental data during pregnancy.MethodsIn 2017, we conducted a pilot study of the FDA MyStudies mobile app within a pregnant population identified through Kaiser Permanente Washington (KPWA), an integrated healthcare delivery system. We ascertained health conditions, medications, and substance use through app- based questionnaires. In a post- hoc analysis, we utilized electronic health records (EHR) to summarize sociodemographic and health characteristics of pilot participants and, for comparison, a pregnant population identified using similar methods.ResultsSix percent (64/1070) of contacted women enrolled in the pilot study. Nearly half (23/53) reported taking medication for headaches and one- fourth for constipation (13/53) and nausea (12/53) each. Few instances (2/92) of over- the- counter medication use were identified in electronic dispensing records. One- quarter to one- third of participants with depression and anxiety/panic, respectively, reported recently discontinuing medications for these conditions. Eighty- eight percent of pilot participants reported White race (95%CI: 81- 95%), versus 67% of the comparison population (NÂ =Â 2065). More pilot participants filled - ¥1 prescription for antianxiety medication (22% [95%CI: 13- 35%]) and antidepressants (19% [95%CI 10- 31%]) pre- pregnancy than the comparison population (10 and 9%, respectively).ConclusionsMobile apps may be a feasible tool for capturing health data not routinely available in EHR. Pregnant women willing to use a mobile app for research may differ from the general pregnant population, but confirmation is needed.