App helps monitor blood pressure and glucose of pregnant women

A new app is helping clinicians to monitor pregnant women for high blood pressure and glucose levels at home.

During the COVID-19 pandemic it has been vital to keep people out of hospital where possible to minimise the risk of virus transmission. For pregnant women, who are recognised as at higher risk from COVID-19, it is essential that, where possible, hospital attendances are avoided.

Avoiding face-to-face appointments posed significant challenges for antenatal services as many women receive vital care during these clinics, including blood pressure measurement and glucose monitoring. Both checks are important as they can pick up signs of serious complications, such as pre-eclampsia or diabetes.

The MyMaternity app was developed with clinicians at Saint Mary’s Hospital, part of Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) and used feedback from people previously under their care to help inform design and content. The app allows pregnant women to record their blood pressure and glucose measurements at home, with information sent to their midwifery team in real-time. Midwives monitor the results and escalate for additional treatment if there is a need. The app also provides guidance and information for the users.

The app is now available at three hospitals in Greater Manchester and has supported more than 400 pregnant women so far.

Professor Jenny Myers, consultant obstetrician at Saint Mary’s Hospital and professor of obstetrics and maternal medicine at The University of Manchester, said: “During COVID-19 it has been vital to keep our pregnant women safe and reduce hospital attendances where they can be avoided. By being able to monitor our pregnant women remotely, maintain regular contact with them and view their results easily in the new app we can continue their care and limit the number of people needing to attend hospital during the pandemic.”

The technology

The app has been developed by tech company Graphnet, which specialises in developing health and care IT solutions, and supported by Health Innovation Manchester’s delivery team. It has also been developed in collaboration with users.

The functionality of the MyMaternity app is set to be integrated into the GM Care Record, which is also powered by Graphnet. The GM Care Record collates information held by different health and care organisations to ensure that GPs, doctors, nurses, midwives, and practitioners can see up to date medical records, care plans, medications and test results. It now informs the right care and treatment for almost all 2.8 million people across Greater Manchester.

Guy Lucchi, digital innovation director at Health Innovation Manchester, said: “The MyMaternity app is a fantastic example of using technology to improve patient care and support clinicians. It is also a testament to the strength of our existing devolved partnerships across GM to take swift action on things that will directly benefit patients and frontline services during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.”

Brian Waters, chief executive of Graphnet, added: “We are delighted to have been able to help Health Innovation Manchester respond quickly and use our technology to provide important monitoring services safely to pregnant women.”