Overview
Evolving methodologies in mobile health have stimulated new approaches to knowledge dissemination and translation. Our team has developed SmartMom, Canada’s first prenatal education program delivered by text messaging, endorsed by the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada and now enrolling 600 women per month. This theme will focus on the development and testing of digital strategies to promote behaviour change. The Theory of Planned Behavior suggests that information accessed at the point of decision making compels a sequence of cognitive and affective changes leading to behavioural intentions and new behaviours. The theme will further explore digital approaches to motivate healthy behavior change among expectant families. While texting programs such as “SmartMom” and phone apps are in widespread use in Canada, their ability to effect behavior change and promote physiologic birth have not been evaluated. The theme will seek funding for evaluation of these and other strategies, including two-way texting, moderated online forums, and YouTube learning aids.