Measuring outcomes of digital technology-assisted nursing postpartum: A randomized controlled trial

To determine if delivering electronic messages from nurses during the first 6 months postpartum is feasible, acceptable and effective in improving mood and decreasing parenting stress.

Competing demands during the postpartum hospitalization make focused time for nurses to provide education and support difficult. Unmet needs following discharge may increase the incidence of postpartum depression. Untreated depression negatively affects families, especially for vulnerable women with limited access to health care.

This is a longitudinal cohort study in three phases. Feasibility and acceptability were assessed during Phases 1 & 2. Phase 3 is a randomized controlled trial (RCT) with three conditions.

This protocol was approved by the Institutional Review Board of the maternity hospital on 12 May 2015 and reviewed annually. Women are enrolled during the maternity hospitalization, after which randomization occurs. The control group receives usual care. Intervention I participants receive a standardized electronic message four times/week for 6 months postpartum. Intervention II participants receive the messages and the option to request a call from a nurse. Electronic surveys at 3 weeks, 3 months and 6 months postpartum measure depressive symptoms using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and parenting stress using the Parenting Stress Index-Short form. Patient satisfaction, nursing time and expertise required are also measured.

Phase 1 and 2 have demonstrated the intervention is feasible and acceptable to women. Phase 3 enrolment is completed, and the last follow-up surveys were emailed to participants in February 2018. Results will help inform efforts to continue nursing care after hospital discharge.