Katrina K. Wu CNM, PhD, Julia Phillippi CNM, PhD, Martina Mueller PhD, Cristina Lopez PhD, Michelle Nichols PhD, RN
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Introduction
Telemedicine use in prenatal care has greatly expanded without substantial research. Optimizing user experiences can increase telemedicine's utilization to support care access. The purpose of this study was to explore patient and provider experiences using telemedicine for routine prenatal care during the COVID-19 pandemic, identifying factors affecting its utilization and satisfaction.
Methods
In this mixed methods study, online surveys and semi-structured interviews with pregnant and postpartum patients and perinatal providers across the United States were used to explore experiences with telemedicine and prenatal care during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data were collected from July to December 2021. Survey findings were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, and interviews were thematically coded and analyzed, followed by mixed methods analysis.
Results
Results of 946 surveys (750 patients and 196 providers) and 30 interviews (15 patients and 15 providers) met inclusion for analysis. Telemedicine was utilized by 42% of patients and 72% of perinatal provider participants. The primary reason patients did not use telemedicine was because it was not offered. Patients and providers who did not use telemedicine expressed the following main concerns with virtual care: uncertainty about care quality, particularly when blood pressure and the fetal heart rate were not assessed, and potential challenges with developing trusting patient-provider relationships. Patients and providers who used telemedicine rated their experience as mild to moderate satisfaction across the 6 Telehealth Usability Questionnaire domains. Satisfaction scores were not dependent on whether physical examination components were included in virtual visits.
Discussion
Providing patients with the choice to use telemedicine as needed or combined with in-person visits for routine prenatal care may increase care utilization. Although not directly linked with satisfaction, interest in using telemedicine would likely increase for patients and providers concerned with care quality if blood pressure and fetal heart rate are assessed during virtual visits.
期刊介绍:
The Journal of Midwifery & Women''s Health (JMWH) is a bimonthly, peer-reviewed journal dedicated to the publication of original research and review articles that focus on midwifery and women''s health. JMWH provides a forum for interdisciplinary exchange across a broad range of women''s health issues. Manuscripts that address midwifery, women''s health, education, evidence-based practice, public health, policy, and research are welcomed