Perinatal IBiS Lab researchers have published a new article about the co-design of an innovative mHealth intervention as part of the e-Perinatal app. Its aim is to prevent mental health disorders after perinatal loss, and the research has focused both on parents and healthcare professionals.

The study’s primary objective was to co-design an accessible and user-centered mobile intervention that helps parents cope after perinatal loss and prevents the development of more severe mental health problems. By actively involving parents in the design, and taking the advice of healthcare professionals into consideration, the researchers aimed to ensure the intervention is both meaningful and engaging for intended users.

Participants contributed feedback on content, features, communication styles, and user experience. They highlighted the existent lack of accesible information and valued the availability of free resources such as this one. They especially recommended adding visual features, care reminders and personalized user profiles. As for healthcare professionals, they appreciated being involved in designing the intervantion to ensure an effective integration into clinical practice.

Perinatal loss can significantly increase the risk of psychological distress, including depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders, during and after pregnancy. Digital health tools like mHealth apps have the potential to overcome barriers such as stigma, limited access to care, and geographic isolation.

The study focused on the development process and initial prototype design. Developing such mHealth tools are important to our project, as they have the potential to become a valuable resource in perinatal mental health care.