Protocol on assessment of pregnancy outcomes by using midwifery led smartphone based quick response (QR) coded instructional module involving husbands

Background: Improved maternal health outcomes in India could be achieved by educating husbands about perinatal care. If India wants to meet the Sustainable Development goals by 2030 for maternity care, the husband involvement agenda needs to be reinforced. For the best possible pregnancy results for mother and baby, perinatal care is essential. The father’s involvement is essential in improving maternal health in perinatal period. Aim: To evaluate the impact of Midwifery led smartphone based quick response coded instructional module on perinatal care among husbands as against standard method on pregnancy outcomes. Methods: This research presents a randomized controlled experiment to recruit spouses based on pilot project sample availability. The allocation of participant will be done equally in both intervention and control group by allocation concealment with the use of sealed opaque envelopes. The husbands attending Gynec OPD along with primigravida women between conception to 12 weeks will be selected and QR code of content regarding care of mother during first and second trimester will be shared. At 28 week second contact will be made and will share the content regarding third trimester and at 36 week content related to care of mother and baby after delivery will be shared. A group will be formed and whatsApp call and reminders will be given to them timely asking for any queries regarding the shared content. The mothers in intervention group will be assessed for pregnancy outcomes at 28 week, during or after labor and within 24 to 48 hours of delivery. Control group will be assessed for pregnancy outcomes based on standard care. IEC granted ethical clearance. Du/IEC/2024/51 DMIHER.The findings will be used to develop conclusions, which will then be published in a peer-reviewed publication. Results: This study is registered with the clinical trial registry India. (Registration Number CTRI/2025/06/D89182)The trial will be conducted in 10 months. Recruitment started in May 2025 and will continue till January 2026. Conclusion: The smartphone based instructional module will be more convenient, allowing husbands to utilize relevant information at their own pace and time and contribute towards improving pregnancy outcomes and attain SDG.