'Parentbot - A Digital healthcare Assistant (PDA)': A mobile application-based perinatal intervention for parents: Development study.

Abstract

To describe the development procedure of a mobile application-based parenting support program with integrated chatbot features entitled Parentbot - a Digital healthcare Assistant (PDA) for multi-racial Singaporean parents across the perinatal period. The PDA development process was guided by the combined information systems research framework with design thinking modes, and Tuckman's model of team development. A user acceptability testing (UAT) process was conducted among 11 adults of child-bearing age. Feedback was obtained using a custom-made evaluation form and the 26-item User Experience Questionnaire. The combined information systems research framework with design thinking modes helped researchers to successfully create a PDA prototype based on end-users' needs. Results from the UAT process indicated that the PDA provided participants with an overall positive user experience. Feedback gathered from UAT participants was used to enhance the PDA. Although the effectiveness of the PDA in improving parental outcomes during the perinatal period is still being evaluated, this paper highlights the key details of developing a mobile application-based parenting intervention which future studies could learn from. Having carefully planned timelines with margins of delays, extra funds to resolve technical issues, team cohesion, and an experienced leader can facilitate intervention development.