Deloitte: Digital tools address maternal health inequities but design gaps remain

A Deloitte report highlights the potential of digital tools to enhance maternal care accessibility but identifies persisting gaps in cultural competence and affordability. Based on a 2023 survey involving over 2,000 recent pregnant individuals and insights from healthcare executives, the report underscores disparities in digital tool usage among different racial groups, emphasising the importance of cultural alignment and community involvement in tool development.

While patients commonly use portals and mobile health apps for appointment scheduling and communication, concerns exist regarding costs and insurance coverage. Culturally competent tools, like the InovCares app, which connects diverse women to culturally aligned providers, demonstrate promising initiatives. Data from digital tools, such as Count the Kicks for fetal movement tracking, not only empowers patients but also supports providers in decision-making and quality improvement efforts.

Respondents stress the need for consumer-friendly tools, reduced costs, and unified platforms for maternal health information. Trust issues regarding accuracy and bias persist, suggesting a need for greater transparency and control over data usage. The report recommends collaborative efforts among stakeholders to address these challenges, emphasising equity, patient voice incorporation, and interdisciplinary collaboration to improve maternal health outcomes, particularly for Black women facing disproportionate disparities. Despite challenges, optimism exists for digital tools to transform maternal healthcare positively.