The United States has the highest maternal death rate in high-income countries. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic care access barriers arose, which led to uncertainty and depression in pregnant and postpartum women.
To improve healthcare access and ensure maternal healthcare hospitals have leveraged Telemedicine EMR Software solutions. A new study from the Annals of Medicine revealed that supplementing in-person maternal healthcare with telehealth visits bolstered patient outcome levels and even improved patient satisfaction scores.
What is maternal telehealth?
Utilizing telecommunications technology to deliver healthcare services to expectant mothers, new mothers, and their families is known as maternal telemedicine. This can involve online consultations, remote monitoring, and other types of digital interaction between patients and healthcare professionals.
Maternal telemedicine can be used by providers to offer the following range of healthcare services,
- Prenatal care
- Postpartum care
- High-risk pregnancies
- Mental health consultations/services
- Lactation consultation
- Education and ongoing support
Pregnant women and new mothers can receive treatment by using telemedicine solutions without leaving their homes. This is especially helpful for individuals who reside in rural or underserved areas or have physical challenges. Maternal telehealth has great potential to increase access to quality maternity care and services during the ongoing pandemic and beyond.
Value of telemedicine in maternal health
Various studies in the past have confirmed that telehealth software can help improve maternal health by expanding care accessibility and offering the convenience of care to pregnant and new mothers.
Maternal telemedicine can assist gynecologists and caregivers in closely monitoring high-risk pregnancies and offering women who require specialized treatment. Telehealth can also be utilized by clinics to educate and support women and families. This can enhance the outcomes for maternal and newborn health greatly.
The use of telemedicine to offer mental healthcare and home monitoring devices has also resulted in positive outcomes. Online therapy has helped to reduce anxiety levels and depression in women seeking maternal care.
Limitations of maternal Telehealth
There are always two sides to every story. Maternal telehealth has a lot to offer, but some restrictions should be taken into account. Some limitations of maternal telemedicine include:
- Technology barriers – Not all women may have access to the technology required for telehealth visits this includes reliable internet connectivity, smartphone, computer, or essential apps.
- Lack of physical examination – Telemedicine sessions may not allow the physician to conduct a physical exam, which can impact the accuracy of diagnosis.
- Insurance coverage – Insurance coverage for telehealth services varies, and some women may be unable to afford the fees.
- Privacy concerns – Some patients can have privacy and security concerns when using telemedicine software for maternal checkups since sensitive patient data is shared.
Conclusion
Maternal telehealth can be used to complement maternal care. Both in-person and telemedicine solutions should be used to offer well-rounded care to pregnant and new mothers. Maternal telehealth can address the risk of maternal mortality and mental health disorders to ensure the safety of pregnant women at large.
