Three hospitals in Greater Manchester have begun to use an app to help clinicians monitor pregnant women for high blood pressure and glucose levels at home.
Named MyMaternity, it has been developed by tech company Graphnet and clinicians at Saint Mary’s Hospital, part of Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust.
It makes it possible for women to record their blood pressure and glucose measurements at home and sent it on their midwifery team, which monitors the results and if necessary arranges for additional treatment.
The app also provides guidance and information for the users.
Professor Jenny Myers, consultant obstetrician at Saint Mary’s and professor of obstetrics and maternal medicine at the University of Manchester, said: “During Covid-19 it has been vital to keep our pregnant women safe and reduce hospital attendances where they can be avoided.
“By being able to monitor our pregnant women remotely, maintain regular contact with them and view their results easily in the new app we can continue their care and limit the number of people needing to attend hospital during the pandemic.”
Integration plan
There are plans to integrate the app’s functions into the GM Care Record, which is also powered by Graphnet. This collates information held by different health and care organisations to ensure that GPs, doctors, nurses, midwives and practitioners can see up to date medical records, care plans, medications and test results.
More than 400 women have reportedly used the app so far.
Image: Rose McGarty, one of the users of the app, with baby Arlo and daughter Ruby. From Health Innovation Manchester
