Abstract:
BACKGROUND : Pregnancy apps are widely used by pregnant women, who benefit from self-tracking features to support their
health goals. Pregnant radiographers are considered a high-risk group of health workers practicing in ionizing radiation
environments. Radiation exposure above threshold limits can cause harmful genetic effects on a fetus. Accordingly, pregnant
radiographers are required to wear special fetal dosimeters, which provide real-time readings of radiation dose exposure to the
fetus. Pregnant radiographers have the responsibility to self-track their fetal doses to ensure that the threshold limit of 1 mGy is
not exceeded. The traditional method used to track doses includes a written log of doses in a notebook. Thus, PregiDose, a unique
offering in the context of pregnancy apps, was developed to enhance fetal dose tracking and monitoring using technological
methods.
OBJECTIVE : This study aims to describe the users’ perceptions of the app’s usefulness using PregiDose in a natural setting.
METHODS : The overarching framework adopted for the study was a design science research (DSR) methodology encompassing
five steps, namely (1) problem awareness, (2) suggestion, (3) development, (4) evaluation, and (5) conclusion. This paper presents
the evaluation step of DSR. DSR step 4 included a qualitative approach to explore users’ perceptions regarding the app. Data
were collected using a semistructured interview guide. Open-ended questions were guided by the app’s core features, namely
dose tracking, education, and wellness. In total, 17 pregnant radiographers in South Africa enrolled to use the app, 9 (53%)
engaged with the app, and 4 (24%) agreed to participate in the feedback interviews. The data were collected from October 2023
to March 2024 and analyzed using a reflective thematic data analysis method.
RESULTS : Three overarching themes emerged from the data, namely (1) usefulness of PregiDose, (2) barriers to PregiDose
adoption and use, and (3) recommendations for the advancement of PregiDose. Users labeled the app’s usefulness as positive
and perceived it as a modern approach to traditional dose-tracking methods. They perceived the graph output of the dose-tracking
feature to be useful for viewing their accumulative doses. They did not fully engage with the journaling feature, indicating that
it was a personal preference and not a practice they would usually engage in. Physiological barriers, such as fatigue and “pregnancy brain,” were contributors to decreased engagement. Finally, because of the demanding workload and fast-paced nature of the
radiography department, users recommended the automation of fetal dosimetry through the Internet of Things.
CONCLUSIONS : PregiDose is an occupational health and safety mobile app developed for pregnant radiographers through a DSR
approach. The app offers a modern method of dose tracking consistent with technological advancements in the context of
self-tracking. However, future implementation would require using Internet of Things to make fetal dose tracking more effective.
