WebMB has partnered with Scripps Translational Science Institute to conduct a study on pregnancy using Apple’s ResearchKit. WebMD’s existing pregnancy app for iOS has been redesigned to allow for data collection from women opting into the study, which the company hopes will provide new insights on what contributes to healthy pregnancies and positive outcomes. Participants will be able to share biometric data from their iPhone and other connected devices in addition to providing answers to questions about their medication use, vaccination history, pre-existing conditions and changes during pregnancy. A recent study on asthma proved that data collected in ResearchKit is as reliable as that collected by other methods, and Dr. Eric Topol, director of STSI, said the WebMD pregnancy study aims to capture more information about “one of the least studied populations in medical research.” “The results of our Healthy Pregnancy Study—on the foundation of an exceptionally popular smartphone app—will ultimately provide expectant mothers, researchers, and health care professionals with new medical insights to avoid complications during pregnancy,” Topol said.
