Milwaukee, March, 04, 2019 – Two local scientists from the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW), Mir Abdul Basir, MD, and Kathryn Flynn, PhD, were awarded a grant from the National Institute of Health to test a smartphone application, Preemie Prep for Parents (P3). The app is designed to provide expecting couples education and medical information on premature babies.

Dr. Basir explains that the application is vitally important as “there is a need to improve parent education so that they are empowered to participate in medical care decision making.” Early results have shown that after study participants used the application, participants reported heightened awareness of preterm birth (93%), further discussed issues related to pregnancy and prematurity with their partner (86%), and further increased questions to their providers at clinic visits (43%).

The application was available to study participants through the Apple and Google Play stores. By utilizing patient education best practices users engage with audiovisual aids such as videos and pictographs. The information was reviewable at any time throughout the pregnancy. The app also sent remindful text messages to participants.

The grant award, which totals nearly $350,000, allows for the application to be designed and tested over a two-year timespan. Plans include expanding the functionality of the app to wider audience, including additional languages.

Dr. Basir is an associate professor of pediatrics and neonatology at MCW and is a practicing physician at Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin. Dr. Flynn is an associate professor of medicine at MCW with expertise in medical decision making and patient-centered health outcomes