117A digital resource for enhancing parental health literacy during the transition to parenthood

Abstract

Abstract Background While the transition to parenthood is critical for mother-child health, traditional antenatal education has been questioned. Digital resources provide opportunities for reducing social disparities and enhancing health literacy, particularly important in a medicalized and decentralized birth environment with high caesarean and low breastfeed rates. Methods Within a Participatory Action Research (PAR) framework, formative qualitative and quantitative methods were employed to assess the cross-national transferability of Baby Buddy (UK), and deliver a locally relevant resource to inform, enhance user-provider communications and support shared decision-making. Results Using consensus-building and priority-setting techniques, we engaged with the local health professional community and parents-to-be to assess available resources, identify gaps and priorities in an eDelphi survey (N = 275 mums, 193 professionals) and gain an in-depth understanding on information-seeking behaviours and participation in decision-making in a series of focus groups with antenatal educators (N = 20) and new mums/ mums-to-be (N = 62). New material was co-created with participants and an intervention for embedding the tool in clinical practice was proposed within the COM-B behavioural change framework. Conclusions The project is a “proof of concept” for exchange of innovation and a “complimentary” model of maternal healthcare delivery. Beyond a learning experience for the participants, the use of PAR provided ground for building transdisciplinary alliances. Key messages Other than enhancing health literacy, digital resources can support the educational role of health professionals PAR provides a framework to engage with the community, building a sense of common purpose