Investigating interactive methods in remote chestfeeding support for lactation consulting professionals in Brazil

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Informatics
• Human-Computer Interaction

Background:

• Lactation consultants (LCs) are crucial for supporting chestfeeding parents, but are scarce in Brazil.
• The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated a shift to remote consultations, highlighting technological challenges for LCs.
• Limited resources for management, communication, and diagnosis hinder remote chestfeeding support.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the technological issues faced by LCs during remote consultations.
• To identify helpful technology features for solving chestfeeding problems remotely.
• To understand stakeholder preferences for technology in remote lactation care.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative investigation using a contextual study and a participatory session.
• Characterized technology appropriation, limitations, and challenges/benefits of remote consultations.
• Gathered LCs' perceptions on remote evaluation components and feedback elements.

Main Results:

• LCs adapted methodologies for remote care, showing interest in continuing this modality.
• A hybrid care model (remote and in-person) is perceived as beneficial for parents.
• Remote support effectively reduces financial, geographic, and cultural barriers in lactation care.

Conclusions:

• LCs' adaptation to remote consultations indicates a need for continued development of supportive technologies.
• A hybrid model of lactation care offers significant advantages for parents in Brazil.
• Future research should explore culturally and regionally adaptable remote lactation care solutions.