How is personalisation used in pregnancy apps: A systematic review (Preprint)

BACKGROUND Digital support is a preferred source of information for pregnant women with personalisation being a key selling benefit for pregnancy apps. Pregnancy apps are the most popular type of health app (n= 2,900). OBJECTIVE To describe the variety and use of personalisation in pregnancy apps. METHODS A systematic search of databases Medline, Embase and PsychINFO for peer reviewed articles, examining personalisation, customisation or tailoring of pregnancy apps. RESULTS Six studies met inclusion criteria (one interview study, one online survey, two app reviews and two studies using critical discourse analysis). Personalisation is largely determined by the functionality of the app. Foetal monitoring apps, supportive information apps and pregnancy entertainment apps utilise personalisation in different ways. Personalisation delivers relevant information and can result in women to become role models (e.g. for peers or family regarding healthier lifestyle); strengthening the relationship women have with the app and the unborn baby; and expressing one’s identity. CONCLUSIONS There is a gap in using personalised digital tools for pregnancy which are reliable and which use all of the dimensions of personalisation described in this review. Given the recommendation of the national guidelines, development of digital tools that provide relevant information is key. Future research should focus on personalising apps to reach women in different geographical locations and those at risk of pregnancy-related mental health problems.