Evidence Tools
MCHbest. Early Prenatal Care.

Overview. The use of mobile prenatal care apps such as Babyscripts [1], SmartMoms [2], and Growing and Glowing [3] were found to be effective in addressing barriers to in-person visits for low-risk birthing persons, without compromising patient or provider satisfaction with prenatal care.[1,2,3] The apps have been found to increase early PNC by providing personalized information and support that is usable.[2] The Growing and Glowing app is specifically designed for birthing persons who identify as Black and has been found to increase the awareness of local resources and information among this population.[3] The utilization of technology platforms, such as Maven, can also supplement routine prenatal care with educational content, and resources, help to reduce emergency room visits, and support care coordination for patients.[4] The mobile app should not replace in-person visits but allow for a modified schedule for low-risk patients. Additional research is needed.[1]

Evidence. Emerging Evidence. Strategies with this rating typically trend positive and have good potential to work. They often have a growing body of recent, but limited research that documents effects. However, further study is needed to confirm effects, determine which types of health behaviors and conditions these interventions address, and gauge effectiveness across different population groups. (Clarifying Note: The WWFH database calls this "mixed evidence").

Access the peer-reviewed evidence through the MCH Digital Library or related evidence source. (Read more about understanding evidence ratings).

Source. Peer-Reviewed Literature

Outcome Components. This strategy has shown to have impact on the following outcomes (Read more about these categories):

• Access to/Receipt of Care. This strategy increases the ability for individuals to obtain healthcare services when needed, including preventive, diagnostic, and treatment services.
• Health Outcomes. This strategy helps contribute to reducing avoidable differences among socioeconomic and demographic groups or geographical areas in health status and health outcomes such as disease, disability, or mortality.
• Utilization. This strategy improves the extent to which individuals and communities use available healthcare services.

Detailed Outcomes. For specific outcomes related to each study supporting this strategy, access the peer-reviewed evidence and read the Intervention Results for each study.

Intervention Type. Direct Care (Read more about intervention types and levels as defined by the Public Health Intervention Wheel).

Intervention Level. Individual/Family-Focused

Examples from the Field. There are currently no ESMs that use this strategy. As Title V agencies begin to incorporate this strategy into ESMs, examples will be available here. Until then, you can search for ESMs that have similar intervention components in the ESM database.

Sample ESMs. Here are sample ESMs to use as models for your own measures using the Results-Based Accountability framework (for suggestions on how to develop programs to support this strategy, see The Role of Title V in Adapting Strategies).