eHealth Versus eQuity: Using a Feminist Poststructural Framework to Explore the Influence of Perinatal eHealth Resources on Health Equity.

J Clin Nurs. 2018 Jul 2. doi: 10.1111/jocn.14592. [Epub ahead of print] Richardson B1, Goldberg L1, Coach C1, Aston M1, Campbell-Yeo M1,2. Author information 1 Dalhousie University, School of Nursing, Halifax, NS. 2 Clinician Scientist, Centre for Pediatric Pain Research IWK Health Centre, Halifax, NS. Abstract AIM: To explore if and how eHealth resources targeted to families during the perinatal period effectively reach a diverse population or further oppress marginalized groups. BACKGROUND: eHealth is often intended to reach a broad population, thus health content must be relatively generalized which limits the ability to tailor health education and interventions to individual needs. Generalization of health information has historically represented a hegemonic depiction of the health consumer, especially within the perinatal period, often disregarding the diversity that exists in the world and perpetuating heteronormative constructs within healthcare systems as a result. DESIGN: A critical review of the literature regarding perinatal eHealth resources was conducted using a feminist poststructuralist approach for analysis. Included literature addresses the development, implementation, and/or evaluation of perinatal eHealth resources. DISCUSSION: This approach uncovered hegemonic discourses related to the current state of perinatal eHealth resources. Nurses and midwives have the unique advantage of interacting and understanding diverse populations. Thus, nurses and midwives are integral to the development, implementation, and evaluation of eHealth resources to reduce social health inequity. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: This paper acts as an exemplar on how to apply feminist poststructuralism to highlight inequities that exist and identifies strategies for nurses and midwives to become involved in the development of eHealth resources or advocate for greater visibility within current resources. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. KEYWORDS: Feminism; Feminist Research; Nursing Practice; Perinatal Care; Poststructuralism; Technology PMID: 29964310 DOI: 10.1111/jocn.14592