The Obstetric Anaesthetists’ Association (OAA) has launched a new Smartphone and tablet application for mothers-to-be in 35 different languages.
Women and their partners will now be able to access information in an easy-to-understand format during the antenatal period or while in labour on their own devices or on tablets shown to them by a midwife, even where there is no internet connection.
The 35 languages on the app range from Urdu, Hindi, Bengali, Somali, Arabic, Mandarin to French, Punjabi, Polish, Gujarati and Cantonese.
The new app means that non-English speakers will be able to understand what pain relief and anaesthesia options are available to them in labour, and to compare the risks and benefits.
A unique ‘useful phrases’ section carries phonetic spelling of important phrases in English and the language in question, allowing midwives, doctors and clients to communicate better.
The apps are based on widely used information cards and leaflets, which have been relaunched with input from the RCM.
They cover pain relief options in labour and anaesthesia for CS and are available on the
OAA website.
The app can be found at the AppStore for iPhone or iPad or at GooglePlay for Android devices. Alternatively,
click here for smart devices.
There is a multilingual poster advertising the translations, which can be placed in antenatal clinics or can be inserted as a flyer in women’s hand-held notes.
