e-Health Services to Support the Perinatal Decision-making Process: An Analysis of Digital Solutions to Create Birth Plans

Abstract

This research aims to provide an overview of the existent digital solutions for birth plans’ creation, intending to contribute for the advance of e-health services focused on the perinatal decision-making process. Primary data was found through a web search procedure. Better ranked options complying with the following criteria were included: (a) available online and for free; (b) pregnant people as the target audience; (c) labor and/or birth plan creation features; (d) in English. Four online services were found, and a two part study was conducted: a) a non-exhaustive benchmarking-like analysis of webpages where the digital solutions to create birth plans were provided, according to six dimensions; b) followed by a content analysis of the digital solutions, resulting in 13 categories emerging, that were scored according to their occurrence and completeness. “Consent and Information” category had the lowest score, what is considered critical for the full purpose of a birth plan creation; while, “Freedom”, “Ambience and Equipment”, “People”, “Type of birth” and “Pain management” categories achieved the highest scores. Two solutions were considered particularly incomplete. Results show three solutions based on checklists, and one on visual icons. All solutions were based on a delivery approach, not including interactive or audiovisual components.