Communication Technology Use and Preferences for Pregnant Women and Their Caregivers

The rapid evolution of communication technologies has created new ways for healthcare consumers to manage their health. In a mixed-methods study, we examined technology use and willingness to use in pregnant women and caregivers, using surveys and semi-structured interviews. Most participants had used text messaging, automated phone calls, Skype/FaceTime, social media, and online discussion forums. To communicate with healthcare providers, most were willing to use text messaging and had not, but desired to use Skype/FaceTime. Fewer were willing to use social media or online discussion forums due to concerns about privacy and security. Most were willing to use text messaging, Skype/FaceTime, or online discussion forums to support health in other ways, but few had done so. About half were willing to use automated phone calls, but most did not like them due to the impersonal nature and time required. Developers should consider such preferences in design of health information technologies.