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Abstract Background Given the rapid growth of digital media resources, it is worth exploring childbearing women’s use of digital media to address their information needs. The aim of this study was to explore the use of digital media during pregnancy and birth in the local population of Western Victorian women in Melbourne, Australia. Methods A descriptive exploratory approach was used. An online survey consisted of both quantitative and qualitative questions to identify and measure digital media use in pregnancy and the birthing period. Descriptive statistics and Pearson Chi-square test were used to analyse the quantitative data, while content analysis was used to analyse the qualitative data. Results Digital media has become an integral part of the experience in pregnancy with increasing growth of digital media in labour. The most used medium for digital media use was pregnancy applications, followed by websites, social media, YouTube, podcasts, online discussion forums and lastly, labour applications. Information seeking was the main reason for using digital media, and two main themes emerged from the qualitative data; ‘connection with others for social support and reassurance’ and ‘information seeking and providing to assist decision making and providing reassurance’. Conclusion This study highlights the need for future midwifery practice to include digital media sources in antenatal education and care. There is a need for healthcare institutions to improve digital media technology to meet the needs of women. This is crucial as digital media is constantly evolving, and as healthcare providers, we need to integrate digital media with healthcare services.

Abstract Background In an acute hospital setting, diabetes can require intensive management with medication modification, monitoring and education. Yet little is known about the experiences and perspectives of nursing/midwifery staff and patients. The aim of this study was to investigate diabetes management and care for patients with diabetes in an acute care setting from the perspectives of nursing/midwifery staff and patients. Methods A convergent mixed-methods study design. Patients with diabetes (Type 1, Type 2 or gestational diabetes) recruited from a public health service in Melbourne, Australia completed a survey and nurses and midwives employed at the health service participated in focus groups. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise the survey data. Thematic analysis was used for the free-text survey comments and focus group data. Results Surveys were completed by 151 patients. Although more than half of the patients were satisfied with the diabetes care they had received (n = 96, 67.6%), about a third felt the hospital nursing/midwifery staff had ignored their own knowledge of their diabetes care and management (n = 43, 30.8%). Few reported having discussed their diabetes management with the nursing/midwifery staff whilst in hospital (n = 47, 32.6%) or thought the nurses and midwives had a good understanding of different types of insulin (n = 43, 30.1%) and their administration (n = 47, 33.3%). Patients also reported food related barriers to their diabetes management including difficulties accessing appropriate snacks and drinks (n = 46, 30.5%), restricted food choices and timing of meals (n = 41, 27.2%). Fourteen nurses and midwives participated in two focus groups. Two main themes were identified across both groups: 1. challenges caring for patients with diabetes; and 2. lack of confidence and knowledge about diabetes management. Conclusions Patients and nursing/midwifery staff reported challenges managing patients’ diabetes in the hospital setting, ensuring patients’ optimal self-management, and provision of suitable food and timing of meals. It is essential to involve patients in their diabetes care and provide regular and up-to-date training and resources for nursing/midwifery staff to ensure safe and high-quality inpatient diabetes care and improve patient and staff satisfaction.