Topic 5 DQ 2Apr 15–19, 2024
Technology is integral to successful implementation in many projects, through either support or integration or both. Name two information/communication technologies that could improve the implementation process and the outcomes of your capstone project. How would this technology be appropriately applied during the implementation phase of your project? Describe one potential barrier that could prevent the use of this technology.
Lara Ashton
Apr 15, 2024, 8:01 PM
Hello Everyone,
In an ICT-based prenatal educational program, ICTs can be used to effectively assist and contribute to the project result. Among these technologies are mobile apps and telemedicine platforms. Firstly, mobile applications offer a convenient and handy method of sending educational materials to pregnant women (Musiimenta et al., 2021). This technology can give access to numerous resources, such as videos, articles, interactive tools, and reminders, all dedicated to appointments or medication schedules. The app can be of great help to pregnant women since they can read informative materials at their own pace and at a time that is best for them. This way, they have control over the information they take in. This technology can be incorporated through the creation of a mobile app that is tailored to the needs of the target population. Through the app, one would be able to access modules relevant to prenatal nutrition, exercise during pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and neonatal care, among others. Consequently, this app can include features like quizzes or forums where a woman could talk with the health providers and others who were pregnant during that particular time.
Additionally, telehealth platforms offer joint communication between healthcare providers and patients through virtual consultations and follow-up meetings. With the help of video conferencing and secure messaging tools, pregnant women are able to get customized guidance and assistance from medical professionals without having to make physical visits. The use of virtual clinics not only empowers women who face barriers, e.g., transportation problems or geographical remoteness, to attend traditional prenatal classes but also to access information and education concerning prenatal care (Shanbehzadeh et al., 2021). When the rollout of the telemedicine platform progresses, it could be added to the prenatal education program to add to the in-person interactions with the virtual consultations. This would allow healthcare workers to provide the necessary support and training to pregnant women, whether they are in a rural area or unable to walk long distances.
Meanwhile, one of the obstacles to using these technologies could be the digital divide, that is, inequalities in access to and knowledge of ICTs among different demographic groups. Pregnant women living in communities with low incomes or in rural areas may face a variety of barriers to accessing apps and telemedicine platforms, such as the absence of smartphone or internet connectivity (Shanbehzadeh et al., 2021). Another aspect is the possibility of women feeling uneasy about privacy and data security, which might discourage them from using these technologies if they think their private health information might be compromised. In view of these barriers, it is imperative to support equal access to technology by granting things like subsidized smartphones and internet access programs. In addition, using strong privacy controls and clear data handling protocols will be able to build trust and confidence amongst pregnant ladies in the use of ICTs in their prenatal care.
References
Musiimenta, A., Tumuhimbise, W., Pinkwart, N., Katusiime, J., Mugyenyi, G., & Atukunda, E. C. (2021). A mobile phone-based multimedia intervention to support maternal health is acceptable and feasible among illiterate pregnant women in Uganda: Qualitative findings from a pilot randomized controlled trial. Digital Health, 7, 2055207620986296. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/2055207620986296
Shanbehzadeh, M., Kazemi-Arpanahi, H., Kalkhajeh, S. G., & Basati, G. (2021). Systematic review on telemedicine platforms in lockdown periods: lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic. Journal of Education and Health Promotion, 10(1), 211. https://journals.lww.com/jehp/fulltext/2021/10000/evaluation_of_elderly_s_integrated_healthcare.202.aspx
