Exploring the ways communication technology is used by midwives and pregnant women/people: An integrative review

Abstract

Background: Pregnant women/people globally are increasingly using digital technology such as texting, emailing, instant messaging, pregnancy applications, social media and the internet to access information about their pregnancy. There is little information, however, on how the technology is used to enable midwives and pregnant women/people to communicate with each other and what effect this may have on the quality of maternal and newborn health within Aotearoa New Zealand. Aim: To explore the literature on how communication technology has been used to enable midwives and pregnant women/people to connect with each another. Method: An integrative literature review of peer reviewed studies between 2010 and 2021 was undertaken to explore how communication technology was used to enable midwives and pregnant women/people to connect with each another. The initial search elicited 450 articles, of which five met the inclusion criteria. These were then assessed using the Critical Appraisals Skills Programme checklist. Results: The five relevant studies were summarised using an evidence table to enable comparison of themes or relationships between the studies. Four main themes were identified: (1) connecting, (2) access to healthcare, (3) privacy and confidentiality, and (4) lack of skills and knowledge. Using communication technology appeared to provide a safe space for information sharing within which pregnant women/people and midwives could connect. A feeling of connection was important, in supporting the pregnant woman/person in their access to maternity services. This emotional connection was enabled regardless of whether the pregnant person and midwife were known to each other. However, concerns were identified relating to issues of privacy, and the skills pregnant women/people and midwives needed to access and use the technology. Conclusion: Gaps in the published literature were highlighted through undertaking this integrative literature review. The first was in the understanding of how midwives and pregnant women/people use communication technology when communicating with one another, and the second was in how communication technology is used within a midwifery continuity of care model.