Representation of Women and Women's Health in Australian Medical School Course Outlines, Curriculum Requirements, and Selected Core Clinical Textbooks.

Background: Historically, medical research has, outside of reproductive health, neglected the health needs of women. Medical studies have previously excluded female participants, meaning research data have been collected from males and generalized to females. Knowledge gained from research is translated to clinical education and patient care, and female exclusion may result in gaps in the medical school curricula and textbooks. Materials and Methods: This study involved a desktop review of the Australian Medical Council Standards for assessment and accreditation of primary medical programs, the online publicly available Australian medical school course outlines, and finally, an analysis of the recommended textbooks. Results: There is no fixed or explicit requirement to include women's health in Australian medical school curricula. Medical school course outlines do not adequately include women's health; similarly, clinical medicine textbooks do not account for sex and gender differences. Conclusion: Important sex and gender differences in medicine are not reflected adequately in the medical school course outlines, curricula, or clinical textbooks. This may have significant consequences on women's health.

Non-pharmacological treatments for shivering post neuraxial anaesthesia for caesarean section: a scoping review.

BACKGROUND: Shivering occurs more frequently for women having caesarean section under neuraxial anaesthesia compared to other patient groups and causes an increase in pain and interrupts bonding with her newborn. AIM: This study aimed to report the evidence on non-pharmacological methods to treat shivering, defined as uncontrollable shaking, because of being cold, frightened, or excited, post neuraxial anaesthesia; the use of local anaesthesia inserted around the nerves of the central nervous system such as spinal anaesthesia and epidural in women having a caesarean section. METHODS: A scoping review was conducted using six electronic health databases that were searched with no restrictions placed on language, date, or study type. FINDINGS: Of the 1399 studies identified, following screenings only one study was deemed suitable for inclusion. The study, a randomised controlled trial, compared forced air warming blankets (intervention) with the usual care of warmed cotton blankets (control) and its impact on maternal and newborn outcomes. The only statistically significant difference found was the perceived thermal comfort of the mother. DISCUSSION: Non-pharmacological treatments for shivering are underrepresented in the literature; only one study identified where the impact of active warming was compared to warmed cotton blankets (usual care) for the measures of: oral temperature; degree of shivering; and thermal comfort pain scores. There was a decline in temperature in both groups at odds with some women reporting feeling too warm such that they asked for the active warmer to be turned down. CONCLUSION: Social engagement strategies are interventions that send a signal of safety to the nervous system leading to a sense of calm and wellbeing and have biological plausibility and warrant evaluation. Recommendations for further research: design a robust study to test the effectiveness of social engagement strategies on shivering for women having caesarean section under neuraxial anaesthesia.

Exploring the evidence base for Communities of Practice in health research and translation: a scoping review.

BACKGROUND: The translation of research into healthcare practice relies on effective communication between disciplines, however strategies to address the gap between information sharing and knowledge transfer are still under exploration. Communities of Practice (CoP) are informal networks of stakeholders with shared knowledge or endeavour and present an opportunity to address this gap beyond disciplinary boundaries. However, the evidence-base supporting their development, implementation and efficacy in health is not well described. This review explores the evidence underpinning the use of CoP in health research and translation. METHODS: A scoping review was undertaken using Arksey and O'Malley's methodological framework. A comprehensive search of health databases and grey literature was performed using keywords and controlled vocabulary. Studies were not restricted by date or research method. RESULTS: A total of 1355 potentially relevant articles were identified through the global search strategy. Following screening, six articles were retained for analysis. Included studies were published between 2002 and 2013 in the United Kingdom (n = 3), Canada (n = 2) and Italy (n = 1). Three papers reported primary research; one used a quantitative methodology, one a qualitative, and one a descriptive evaluation approach. The three remaining papers explored seminal and evolving theories of CoP in the context of knowledge transfer and translation to the health sector. CONCLUSIONS: A paucity of evidence exists regarding the development and efficacy of CoP in health research and translation. Further empirical research is required to determine if communities of practice can enhance the translation of research into clinical practice.

Woman-centred care and integrated electronic medical records within Australian maternity settings: Point prevalence audit and observational study.

OBJECTIVE: Transition to paperless records brings new challenges to midwifery practice across the continuum of woman-centred care. There is limited and conflicting evidence on the relative benefits of electronic medical records in maternity settings. This article aims to inform the use of integrative electronic medical records within the maternity services' environment with attention to the midwife-woman relationship. DESIGN: This descriptive two-part study includes 1) an audit of electronic records in the early period following implementation (2-time points); and 2) an observational study to observe midwives' practice relating to electronic record use. SETTING: Two regional tertiary public hospitals PARTICIPANTS: Midwives providing care for childbearing women across antenatal, intrapartum and postnatal areas. FINDINGS: 400 integrated electronic medical records were audited for completeness. Most fields had high levels of complete data in the correct location. However, between time 1 (T1) and time 2 (T2), persistent missing data (foetal heart rate documented 30 minutely T1 36%; T2 42%), and incomplete or incorrectly located data (pathology results T1:63%; T2 54%; perineal repair T1 60%; T2 46%) were identified. Observationally, midwives were actively engaged with the integrative electronic medical record between 23% to 68% (median 46%; IQR 16) of the time. CONCLUSION: Midwives spent a significant amount of time completing documentation during clinical episodes of care. Largely, this documentation was found to be accurate, yet exceptions to data completeness, precision and location remained, indicating some concerns with software usability. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Time-intensive monitoring and documentation may hinder woman-centred midwifery care.

The role and scope of contemporary midwifery practice in Australia: A scoping review of the literature.

PROBLEM: Little is known about the breadth of midwifery scope within Australia, and few midwives work to their full scope of practice. BACKGROUND: Midwives in Australia are educated and professionally accountable to work in partnership with childbearing women and their families, yet they are currently hindered from practicing within their full scope of practice by contextual influences. AIMS: To perform a scoping review of the literature to map out the role and scope of contemporary midwifery practice in Australia To identify any key issues that impact upon working within the full scope of midwifery practice in the Australian context METHODS: A scoping review of the literature guided by the Arksey and O'Malley's five-stage methodological framework, and the 'best fit' framework synthesis using the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia's Midwifery Standards for Practice. FINDINGS: Key themes that emerged from the review included Partnership with women; The professional role of the midwife; and Contextual influences upon midwifery practice. DISCUSSION: Tensions were identified between the midwifery scope of practice associated with optimal outcomes for women and babies supported by current evidence and the actual role and scope of most midwives employed in models of care in the current Australian public healthcare system. CONCLUSIONS: There is a mismatch between the operational parameters for midwifery practice in Australia and the evidence-based models of continuity of midwifery carer that are associated with optimal outcomes for childbearing women and babies and the midwives themselves.

Women's experiences of gestational breast cancer and their interactions with the healthcare system: A scoping review.

AIM: To report the evidence of women's experiences following a diagnosis of gestational breast cancer (GBC) and their interactions with the healthcare system. DESIGN: A systematic scoping review. DATA SOURCES: This scoping review systematically searched Medline, CINAHL, Psych INFO, EMBASE and SCOPUS, in addition to six grey literature databases in October 2021. A 2020 PRISMA flow diagram depicting the flow of information. REVIEW METHODS: Guided by six steps in Arksey and OMalley's Framework (2005). One researcher completed the literature review, and four independently screened the titles and abstracts related to the eligibility criteria. RESULTS: Totalling 25 articles, these studies comprise 2 quantitative, 20 qualitative, 1 mixed-method and 2 other documents, a book and debate. Thematic analysis was guided by Braun and Clarke (2006) to identify an overarching theme of adjustment that underpinned women's narratives and was reinforced by four major and several minor themes. The four major themes were: psychological impact, motherhood, treatment and communication. The relationship between the themes contextualizes the enormous complexity concerning women's experiences with GBC. CONCLUSION: Cancer management for GBC is complex and multifaceted. At a time of conflicting emotions for women, Multidisciplinary teams are well placed to provide support, normalize the woman's experience of motherhood, demonstrate an understanding of treatment effects, and communicate in a considerate and empathetic manner with information that is timely and relevant. GBC management involves doctors, nurses, midwives and many other healthcare professionals, which can add to the impost of diagnosis. IMPACT: This scoping review contributes to a better understanding of women's experience of GBC. The results may inform improvements in the support and communication for these women with GBC and their families.

Nurses' knowledge, practices and perceptions regarding Clostridioides difficile: Survey results.

BACKGROUND: Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) can cause patients debilitating symptoms, places additional demands on nurses' and midwives' and is increasingly prevalent. Understanding the knowledge base of nurses caring for patients with CDI may contribute to improving care practices. METHODS: A cross-sectional anonymous survey across our Hospital and Health Services was conducted. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis techniques were used to analyse, summarise, and report data. RESULTS: A total of 198 completed surveys by nurses were included in the analysis. Most respondents (73.2%) could not recall having any recent CDI education. Nearly all agreed that CDI is an important infection control issue (80. 8%), and that CDI education was important (94.9%). Knowledge of the potentially fatal outcome of CDI was not well known with only 53% responding correctly to this question. Respondents were confident in fundamental infection control precautions of patient placement (93.4%) and environmental cleaning (86.4%). Knowledge of the microbiological aspects of CDI were less well known. The impact to workload and the additional burden of caring for patients with CDI was evident in the overwhelming response (83%) to the two open-ended questions about what makes it "easy" and what make it "hard" to implement infection control strategies for CDI patients. CONCLUSION: Respondents identified many factors that could contribute to less-than optimal care and management of inpatients with CDI, and identified some solutions that would facilitate the provision of best practice. An educational intervention, with emphasis on the areas of greatest knowledge deficits, has been developed.

Meeting the wellness needs of emergency department clinicians: A scoping review of interventions.

BACKGROUND: Emergency Departments are stressful work environments that can adversely affect clinicians' wellbeing. The purpose of this scoping review was to report wellness interventions evaluated in Emergency Departments and clinicians' experience of these interventions. METHODS: Five data bases were searched using a modification of Arksey and O'Malley's framework. PRISMA guidelines for scoping reviews were employed to report the findings. The review included only peer-reviewed articles and had no date or language restrictions applied. RESULTS: Nine studies met inclusion criteria. Interventions included tactile massage, hypnosis, mindfulness, happiness practice, resiliency, meditation, and video-based debriefing. Three key themes emerged following data extraction and analysis: The value of mindfulness; One size doesn't fit all; and Enablers and Barriers. CONCLUSIONS: Successful wellness programs must be relevant to Emergency Departments and staff need to be involved in the development and application of these programs to achieve maximum benefit. For long term benefits and sustainability, the strategies must be supported by senior hospital management.

Evidence-Based Medicine: Feminist Criticisms and Implications for Women's Health.

Evidence-based medicine (EBM) dates back to 19th-century Paris and started out as a new paradigm for practicing medicine, with the aim of replacing anecdote with high-quality evidence from positivist-style research. Despite the clear logic underpinning EBM, there have been numerous criticisms, including maintenance of an archaic view of evidence as "facts," failure to acknowledge that all research is underpinned by the beliefs of the researcher, and the simple fact that medical research has historically been androcentric and results generalized to female patients. In this essay, we discuss the criticisms of EBM, with a focus on feminist critiques based on three central feminist epistemologies: feminist empiricism, standpoint theory, and social constructivism. We argue that EBM potentially perpetuates gaps in women's health and advocate for incorporating feminist epistemologies into future medical research to garner further understanding of social influences on women's health. In addition, we argue that EBM may degrade the clinical acumen and that critical thinking should become a key component of medical school curricula.

Self-Reported Time to Diagnosis and Proportions of Rediagnosis in Female Patients with Chronic Conditions in Australia: A Cross-sectional Survey.

Background: The diagnosis of chronic conditions in women is complicated by the historical androcentricity in medical research. Sex and gender gaps in health research may translate to unequal healthcare for women. This cross-sectional survey study aimed to ascertain the median time to diagnosis, proportions of rediagnosis and time to rediagnosis for Australian women with chronic conditions. Methods: An online survey collected anonymous data from voluntary participants. Data were analyzed using Stata14. Cox Proportional Hazards model was used to analyze time to diagnosis and rediagnosis. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the significance of rediagnosis rates by diagnosis, age at diagnosis, income, employment, state of residence, disability status, and Indigenous status. Results: The median time from first appointment to initial diagnosis was 6 months (range 1 day-50 years) (interquartile range [IQR] 3.74 years). The median time to rediagnosis was 4 years (IQR 9) with a range of 1 day-43 years. Almost half of the women (n = 161/343, 47%) reported their primary condition being rediagnosed. From the complete responses, 40% were rediagnosed from one organic condition to another organic condition, however, 32% of women originally diagnosed with psychological, medically unexplained syndromes, or chronic pain were later rediagnosed with organic conditions. Conclusion: Median wait times for a diagnosis for women in Australia, when factoring in high rates of rediagnosis and time to rediagnosis, was 4 years. It is important that clinicians are aware of the high rediagnosis rates in female patients with chronic conditions and understand the potential impact of systemic biases on the diagnostic process for women under their care.

Mind the Gap: Reporting and Analysis of Sex and Gender in Health Research in Australia, a Cross-Sectional Study.

Introduction: Historically, medical studies have underrepresented female participants and most research data have been collected from males and generalized to other genders. This article aims to determine if there is a sex and/or gender gap in recent Australian health research. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study of the published literature examines recent Australian-based clinical trials for inclusion of sex and gender. Medians and interquartile ranges (IQRs) were calculated for study sample sizes and female:male representation. Proportion of sex and/or gender was analyzed by the clinical specialty of the trials. t-Tests were used to ascertain significance of any difference in recruitment of female and males. Results: A total of 88 articles were included in the analysis. Most studies (n = 63) were randomized clinical controlled trials. Overall women constituted 55% (IQR 30% of all participants). Of the 71 mixed-sex studies, only 8.9% (n = 7) analyzed the data by sex. Women were significantly underrepresented in cardiology and nephrology studies and overrepresented in psychiatry, care of the elderly, and orthopedic studies. Conclusions: When analyzed by specialty, women are overrepresented in specialties considered to be female patient dominated, such as psychiatry and care of the elderly, and underrepresented in specialties such as cardiology and nephrology. The overrepresentation of women in some specialties can reinforce gender stereotypes, potentially harming women. In addition, exclusion of males from these areas of research may be of disservice to men's health.

Immersive virtual reality in a northern Queensland haemodialysis unit: Study protocol for a cross-over randomized controlled feasibility trial (ACTRN12621000732886).

Introduction: Despite being a life-preserving medical treatment, the demands of haemodialysis are a significant impost on individuals, posing considerable burdens on their work, vocational activities and involvement with family and community. In our region, patients who have had to relocate considerable distances to a regional city for dialysis, and First Nations people, are less likely to attend all scheduled dialysis sessions. Virtual reality (VR) has been shown to improve engagement with care of people on haemodialysis.This manuscript describes the protocol for a cross-over randomised controlled trial (RCT) that will explore the impact of an immersive VR experience for patients attending a northern Queensland, Australia, haemodialysis service. Methods: The design is a crossover RCT, with 8 clusters according to haemodialysis location and schedule. Clusters (5 participants in each) will be randomized by computer program. Participants in the trial will be patients who undergo haemodialysis three times/week at one of two dialysis units. During the 4-week intervention period (12 haemodialysis sessions), participants will be provided a headset with vision representative of the natural environment, and with audio. The 4-week control period will comprise usual activities, such as watching television, reading and sleeping. Outcomes will be measured by participants': attendance at scheduled dialysis sessions; adherence to lifestyle modifications; wellbeing, anxiety and depression; acceptability and usability of VR; and adverse events such as nausea. The feasibility and acceptability of the intervention from clinicians' perspectives will also be explored. Discussion: If this VR intervention is feasible, then participants may engage more with haemodialysis regimens and self-care in this very clinical environment. Trial registration: ACTRN12621000732886.

Labouring Together: Women's experiences of "Getting the care that I want and need" in maternity care.

OBJECTIVE: Poor interprofessional collaboration and lack of decision-making with women have been identified as being detrimental to the quality, safety, and experience of maternity care. The aim of the Labouring Together study was to explore childbearing women's preferences for and experiences of collaboration and control over decision-making in maternity care. DESIGN: A sequential, mixed-method, multi-site case study approach was used to explore the perceptions and experiences of childbearing women regarding collaboration and decision-making. Women's preferred role for decision-making compared to the actual experiences, and the influences upon their preferences and experiences of collaboration were explored using semi-structured interviews. An inductive approach was used for qualitative analysis of interviews, and cross-case analyses were conducted using replication logic. SETTING: Postnatal wards of 1 private and 3 public maternity services in both metropolitan and regional Victoria, Australia. PARTICIPANTS: Postnatal women, over the age of 18 years (n=182). FINDINGS: Half (48.3%) of the participants indicated a preference for a shared decision-making role and 35% preferred an active role. Only 16.7% participants indicated a preference for a passive role, however 24.4% of women reported experiencing a passive decision-making role during their maternity care. Statistically significant differences were also identified between preferences for and experiences of decision-making among women who chose the private obstetrician model of maternity care compared to the public maternity care system. Negative impacts upon women's autonomy over decision-making included: poor access to midwifery models of care; poor access to relational continuity of care; poor understanding of the rights of the woman; inadequate information for women about the risks and benefits of all proposed interventions; and a bureaucratic style of decision-making based upon a dominant discourse of risk avoidance that could ultimately veto the woman's choice. KEY CONCLUSIONS: Despite evidence of the benefits for women of having autonomy over decision-making in their own care, fundamental barriers were identified that hindered women's participation in collaboration in maternity care. Shared decision-making with childbearing women is not routine practice in maternity care in Victoria, Australia. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Relational continuity of care is imperative to promote the autonomy of childbearing women and an environment conducive to women's active engagement in maternity care and participation in shared decision-making.

Health Promotion, Health Literacy and Vaccine Hesitancy: The Role of Humanoid Robots.

The use of humanoid robot technologies within global healthcare settings is rapidly evolving; however, the potential of robots in health promotion and health education is not established. The aim of this study was to explore the impact of a social humanoid robot on individuals' knowledge of influenza (flu) prevention and attitudes towards influenza vaccination. A multi-methods approach involving pre and post-test questions and interviews was used. The study was undertaken in a publicly funded tertiary level hospital in northern Queensland, Australia. Of the 995 participants, the majority were visitors (53.07%). The mean age of the participants was 42.25 (SD=19.54) years. Based on the three knowledge questions that were posed at the two-point interactions of participants with the humanoid robot 'Pepper', the results showed that there was a significant difference in the correct responses pre- and post-test regarding the best way to avoid getting the flu (Exact McNemar significance probability <.0001), how long the flu virus can live outside the human body (p <.0001) and the length of time for handwashing to be effective against spreading germs (p <.0001). The results also showed that there was a significant difference in attitudes associated with influenza vaccination when pre-test was compared to post-test (p=.0019). Interaction of the participants with the humanoid robot demonstrated immediate knowledge gains and attitudinal change that suggests that humanoid robots may be an important intervention for health promotion in prevention of influenza and other respiratory viruses.

Sex Inequalities in Medical Research: A Systematic Scoping Review of the Literature.

Background: Historically, medical studies have excluded female participants and research data have been collected from males and generalized to females. The gender gap in medical research, alongside overarching misogyny, results in real-life disadvantages for female patients. This systematic scoping review of the literature aims to determine the extent of research into the medical research sex and gender gap and to assess the extent of misogyny, if any, in modern medical research. Methods: Initial literature searches were conducted using PubMed, Science Direct, PsychINFO and Google Scholar. Articles published between January 01, 2009, and December 31, 2019, were included. An article was deemed to display misogyny if it discussed the female aesthetic in terms of health, but did not measure health or could not be utilized to improve clinical practice. Results: Of the 17 included articles, 12 examined the gender gap in medical research and 5 demonstrated misogyny, assessing female attractiveness for alleged medical reasons. Females remain broadly under-represented in the medical literature, sex and gender are poorly reported and inadequately analyzed in research, and misogynistic perceptions continue to permeate the narrative. Conclusion: The gender gap and misogynistic studies remain present in the contemporary medical literature. Reasons and implications for practice are discussed.

"I Just Want to Feel Safe Going to a Doctor": Experiences of Female Patients with Chronic Conditions in Australia.

Background: The androcentric history of medicine and medical research has led to an ongoing sex and gender gap in health research and education. Sex and gender gaps in research and education may translate into real-life health inequities for women. This study aimed to explore the experiences of female patients with chronic health conditions in the Australian health system, considering existing sex and gender gaps in medicine. Methods: This qualitative study used semistructured in-depth interviews with a sample of adult women with chronic conditions in Australia. Thematic analysis was undertaken, guided by Braun and Clarke. Software NVivoX64 assisted in the management of the data. Coding was performed before grouping into subthemes and central themes. To allow for potential researcher biases, the principal researcher engaged in the practice of reflexivity, including the writing of detailed notes during analysis. Results: Twenty adult Australian women with chronic conditions were interviewed. Diagnoses were varied and included Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, chronic fatigue syndrome, functional neurological disorder, and inflammatory bowel disease. Four central themes emerged: diagnostic difficulties; spectrum of health care experiences; understanding medical complexity; and coping with symptoms. Conclusions: Women with chronic conditions in Australia report pain, fatigue, and suffering that significantly impacts upon their daily lives. There was a shared experience of feeling that the pain and suffering of women was dismissed or not taken seriously. Many women expressed trauma because of their experiences in health care and often this led to a fear of accessing health services. The participants highlighted a need for more knowledge, understanding, and empathy from health care practitioners.

Accessing and engaging with antenatal care: an interview study of teenage women.

BACKGROUND: Pregnant teenagers in rural and regional areas experience distinct disadvantages, that are not simply a function of their age, and these have a substantial impact on their health and that of their baby. Studies demonstrate that antenatal care improves pregnancy outcomes amongst pregnant women, especially adolescents. Understanding teenager's views and experiences of pregnancy and motherhood is important to ensure antenatal care meets young women's needs. This study explored teenage women's experiences and perceptions of barriers and facilitators to engaging in pregnancy care in rural and regional Victoria, Australia. METHODS: Between February-October 2017, pregnant women aged ≤19 years were purposively recruited from one regional and two rural health services in Victoria. Semi-structured, face-to-face interviews guided by naturalistic inquiry were conducted and an inductive approach to analysis was applied. RESULTS: Four key themes emerged from the analysis of the transcripts of 16 interviews: Valuing pregnancy care, Interactions with Maternity Service, Woman-centred care, and Support systems. Teenage women primary motivation to attend care was to ensure their baby's wellbeing and lack of engagement occurred when the relevance of antenatal care was not understood. Appointment flexibility and an accessible location was important; most participants were reliant on others for transport. Continuity of carer and respectful, non-judgement communication by staff was highly valued. Many young women had fractured families with pregnancy diminishing their social world, yet having a baby gave them purpose in their lives. CONCLUSION: Maternity services and health professionals that provide flexible, adaptable women-centred care and support through pregnancy and early motherhood will assist young women's engagement in antenatal care.

Valuing nurse and midwifery unit managers' voices: a qualitative approach.

BACKGROUND: Nurse and Midwifery Unit Managers (NMUMs) play pivotal roles in quality patient care, nurse and midwife satisfaction and retention. NMUMs are expected to be both leaders and managers simultaneously, which may create role tension. This study aimed to explore the understanding and experience of NMUMs regarding their role; to explore what barriers and facilitators NMUMs identified to achieving the goals of their clinical area; and to explore NMUMs' career plans. METHODS: Set in Victoria, Australia, this study was guided by naturalistic inquiry using a qualitative descriptive approach. Thematic analysis was used to inductively develop core themes, which facilitated the motivations, experience and meanings underlying the data to be elaborated. RESULTS: In all, 39 interviews were conducted with NMUMs across four hospitals. Two overarching themes were identified from the data; system challenges and influences on people and each theme had three sub-themes. In relation to system challenges, participants spoke about the structural challenges that they encountered such as financial stressors and physical infrastructure that made their work difficult. Participants felt they were unprepared for the NMUM role and had limited support in the preparation for the role. Participants also related their frustration of not being included in important decision-making processes within the hospital. Regarding their career plans, most did not envisage a career beyond that of a NMUM. CONCLUSIONS: This study of contemporary NMUMs uncovered a continued lack of investment in the orientation, professional development and support of this critical leadership and management role. There is an urgent need for targeted interventions to support and develop capabilities of NMUMs to meet the current and evolving demands of their role.

Overview of a new eHealth intervention to promote healthy eating and exercise in pregnancy: Initial user responses and acceptability.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this project was to develop and evaluate an eHealth intervention to promote healthy lifestyle for pregnant women. The setting was a low socio-economic and multi-ethnic area in Melbourne, Australia. METHODS: This paper briefly describes the development of the eHealth intervention, which was aimed at a low level of literacy, and the evaluation of the intervention by pregnant women. A basic descriptive survey was undertaken to evaluate user friendliness, usefulness and acceptability of the intervention. RESULTS: The intervention was developed by a team of experts and forty pregnant women participated in the evaluation. Results indicated that participants found the intervention informative, useful and easy to navigate. They also identified some minor areas for improvement which will be addressed prior to proceeding to a formal controlled evaluation. CONCLUSION: Results from this evaluation are encouraging and suggest that women found the intervention convenient, trustworthy and engaging. Most enjoyed navigating the website information. As such, it is likely to prove a useful support for delivering dietary and exercise information to pregnant women in the local low socio-economic area. Further formal evaluation will test the efficacy of the website in improving diet and exercise outcomes during pregnancy.