SwasthGarbh: A smartphone App for improving the quality of antenatal care and ameliorating maternal-fetal health.

ABSTRACT

The utility of telemedicine in healthcare has been brought to the forefront by the COVID-19 pandemic. 'SwasthGarbh' (Healthy Pregnancy) is a multi-functional, interactive smartphone application for providing antenatal care and real-time medical support to all pregnant women (especially those in rural areas and/or do not have easy access to doctors). A randomized controlled trial (n = 150) demonstrates its utility in improving the quality of antenatal care, reducing obstetric/medical complications and achieving a positive pregnancy experience. The test group (patients registered on the App) showed a significantly higher number of mean (± SD) antenatal visits (7.0 ± 1.5 vs. 5.7 ± 1.8; P<0.001) as well as better compliance with the WHO visit protocol (87.2% vs. 69.8%, P<0.001) and antenatal investigations (73.2% vs. 41.7%, P<0.001) in comparison to the control group (followed-up conventionally), respectively. Furthermore, substantial reduction in medical (38.0% vs. 55.5%, P = 0.04) and obstetric (52.1% vs. 59.7%, P = 0.36) complications during pregnancy as well as significant improvement in mean (± SD) maternal systolic BP (118.9 ± 11.8 vs. 123.4 ± 14.2 mmHg; P = 0.046), diastolic BP (76.0 ± 8.4 vs. 80.0 ± 10.9 mmHg; P = 0.02) and hemoglobin (11.5 ± 1.4 vs. 10.9 ± 1.4 g/dL; P = 0.03) parameters at delivery was observed in the test group compared to the controls, respectively. All the above mentioned positive clinical outcomes were the result of the provision of high quality antenatal care, timely detection of complications, prompt medical assistance and improved medication adherence. This is first pregnancy App that provides instantaneous access to doctor's advice and is clinically endorsed as well as credible.