Open AccessThe Successes and Challenges of Implementing Telehealth for Diverse Patient Populations Requiring Prenatal Care During COVID-19: Qualitative Study
Author(s) -
Ruth M. Farrell,
Christina Collart,
Caitlin Craighead,
Madelyn Pierce,
Edward K. Chien,
Richard M. Frankel,
Brownsyne Tucker Edmonds,
Uma Perni,
Marissa Coleridge,
Angela C. Ranzini,
Stephen L. Rose
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
jmir formative research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2561-326X
DOI - 10.2196/32791
Subject(s) - telehealth , pandemic , prenatal care , pregnancy , medicine , telemedicine , qualitative research , health care , nursing , family medicine , covid-19 , medical emergency , population , disease , environmental health , infectious disease (medical specialty) , social science , pathology , sociology , biology , economics , genetics , economic growth
Background Although telehealth appears to have been accepted among some obstetric populations before the COVID-19 pandemic, patients’ receptivity and experience with the rapid conversion of this mode of health care delivery are unknown. Objective In this study, we examine patients' prenatal care needs, preferences, and experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic, with the aim of supporting the development of successful models to serve the needs of pregnant patients, obstetric providers, and health care systems during this time. Methods This study involved qualitative methods to explore pregnant patients’ experiences with prenatal health care delivery at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. We conducted in-depth interviews with pregnant patients in the first and second trimester of pregnancy who received prenatal care in Cleveland, Ohio, from May to July 2020. An interview guide was used to probe experiences with health care delivery as it rapidly evolved at the onset of the pandemic. Results Although advantages of telehealth were noted, there were several concerns noted with the broad implementation of telehealth for prenatal care during the pandemic. This included concerns about monitoring the pregnancy at home; the need for additional reassurance for the pregnancy, given the uncertainties presented by the pandemic; and the ability to have effective patient-provider discussions via a telehealth visit. The need to tailor telehealth to prenatal health care delivery was noted. Conclusions Although previous studies have demonstrated that telehealth is a flexible and convenient alternative for some prenatal appointments, our study suggests that there may be specific needs and concerns among the diverse patient groups using this modality during the pandemic. More research is needed to understand patients' experiences with telehealth during the pandemic and develop approaches that are responsive to the needs and preferences of patients.