Providing clinicians with 'how to' knowledge for technology-based innovation: Introducing the SMS4dads texts.

Abstract

Male partners are key supports for women in birth preparation and postnatally. Text-messaging can deliver timely information to expectant and new fathers to increase their support of the mother. However, technological innovations in healthcare often fail to be adopted. This study aims to assess the impact of disseminating a 'taster' set of SMS messages to increase clinicians' engagement with the intervention. Example messages from SMS4dads were delivered to clinicians over a 3-week period and a link provided to an evaluation survey. Agreement to two closed questions was rated on a five-point Likert scale; the frequency of specific recalled messages was calculated for the first open-ended question. Responses to the remaining open-ended questions were analysed with a descriptive thematic approach. A total of 418 participants (female 61.5%) working in health organisations (80.4%), mostly in nursing (33.9%) or midwifery (19.6%) enrolled. Of the 77 (18.4%) participants who provided an evaluation, 96% agreed or strongly agreed that the Professional Taster gave them a better understanding of how to explain the program, and 88% agreed or strongly agreed that they are now more likely to tell parents about the program. Analysis of the remaining two open-ended questions revealed clinicians' concerns for fathers alongside their primary focus on maternal wellbeing. Providing 'how to' knowledge through receiving a sample of the intervention may increase clinicians' acceptance of technological innovation. SO WHAT?: Health-promoting digital interventions using text are increasing. Novel tested strategies for gaining buy-in from healthcare staff will be needed.