Prototype for Internet support of pregnant women and mothers with type 1 diabetes: focus group testing

ototype for Internet support of pregnant women and mothers with type 1 diabetes: focus group testing Original Research (1288) Total Article Views Authors: Adolfsson A, Jansson M Published Date August 2012 Volume 2012:5 Pages 97 - 103 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2147/PRBM.S32799 Received: 10 April 2012 Accepted: 28 May 2012 Published: 01 August 2012 Annsofie Adolfsson,1,2 Malin Jansson1,2 1School of Life Sciences, University of Skovde, Skovde, Sweden; 2Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Skaraborg Hospital, Skovde, Sweden Background: The aim of this study was to pilot test a prototype website called MODIAB-web designed to support pregnant women and mothers with type 1 diabetes. Method: A focus group was undertaken and the results were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Results: Eight subthemes were identified, comprising "blood glucose versus insulin," "application for smart phones," "the time aspect," "interface and technology," "forum," "direct link to the diabetes midwife," "ask the expert," and "lack of contact information." These subthemes were condensed into two main themes. The first theme was "easily understood interface, but in need of a more blood-glucose focused orientation" and the second theme was "forum for interaction with both equals and experts." Conclusion: The women in this study had positive impressions of several of the MODIAB-web functions, including a forum for pregnant mothers with type 1 diabetes and the possibility of being able to put their blood glucose levels into a diagram which could be sent directly to the diabetes midwife. Access to articles and information via the "fact" tab and the ability to ask questions of experts were also significantly helpful to women in the focus group. Pregnant women and mothers with type 1 diabetes can gain support from such a Web-based self-help system.