Using a smartphone app to identify signs of pre-eclampsia and/or worsening blood pressure.

PREECLAMPSIA diagnosis; AMBULATORY blood pressure monitoring; CONTINUUM of care; GROUNDED theory; HOLISTIC medicine; INTERVIEWING; RESEARCH methodology; MEDICAL quality control; MEDICAL protocols; PATIENT satisfaction; PREGNANCY & psychology; RESEARCH funding; SELF-efficacy; QUALITATIVE research; MOBILE apps; DATA analysis software

Background: Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy complicate 10% of pregnancies and can have serious consequences. Aims: To explore the experiences of pregnant women with a history of hypertension using an innovative home blood pressure monitoring device. Methods: A qualitative study using a grounded theory approach was undertaken. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews. Women were given a blood pressure machine to monitor their blood pressure daily. They inserted their blood pressure results on a smartphone app and answered questions for signs of pre-eclampsia. Participants were followed up every 2 weeks. Findings: The results suggested that women wanted a holistic care pathway for the management of hypertension in pregnancy. Three subcategories ('empowerment', 'comparison of care pathways' and 'continuity of care') were also identified. Conclusions: The traditional management of hypertension in pregnancy is not holistic. The home blood pressure service was accepted by women and incorporated elements of holistic care but more is required to meet the standard of care that women need. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]