MumCare: A New Digital Companion for Postpartum Heart Health
A study published in Frontiers in Global Women's Health details the development of MumCare, a mobile health application designed to support cardiovascular risk prevention for women who have experienced pregnancy complications like hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).
The Critical Window After Pregnancy
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of premature death in women. Pregnancy complications such as HDP and GDM are well-established predictors of future CVD. Despite this, systematic postpartum cardiovascular prevention remains limited. The postpartum period following these complications offers a crucial window for early detection and intervention.
How MumCare Was Developed
The app was created through a co-creation process involving users, stakeholders, and clinical experts. The project team in Oslo included an IT expert, obstetricians, a midwife, a general practitioner, two sociologists, and two cardiologists. Input came from user representatives from two national patient associations, who contributed to information, recruitment, design, and testing. Additional users with HDP or GDM from Oslo University Hospital also participated. A linear Stage-Gate model structured the process into phases with quality checkpoints.
Key Features of the App
MumCare guides postpartum women in tracking blood pressure, weight, physical activity, and lab results. It provides personalized feedback for self-management, primarily during the first postpartum year. The app includes educational resources such as videos and guideline-based information. It supports the transition from specialist pregnancy care to long-term follow-up with general practitioners and reminds users of the one-year postpartum follow-up. Designed as a "digital companion," it does not replace clinical diagnosis or function as a medical device.
The Co-creation Phases
- Phase 1: Input from expert organizations and user representatives established the app's technical foundation.
- Phase 2: Interviews confirmed users' desire to monitor cardiovascular risk factors, highlighting three themes: self-care strategies and uncertainties about hypertension, need for accessible health information, and a call for personalized blood pressure monitoring. Concerns about increased stress or burden were noted.
- Phase 3: App design and features were revised based on user feedback to improve usability.
- Phase 4: A prototype was built and refined after testing by the project team and users. Initial pilot testing indicated the app met its objectives.
Current Status
The MumCare app is currently being evaluated in a randomized controlled clinical trial that began in June 2024. Results from this trial are needed to determine its effectiveness in improving long-term cardiovascular outcomes.