Satisfaction with and feasibility of prenatal counselling via telemedicine: A prospective cohort study

ABSTRACT

Introduction Telemedicine has become increasingly important over the past decade. With the pressure of the COVID-19 pandemic, demands for remote healthcare solutions have seen an unprecedented rise. However, many questions regarding the feasibility and benefits of telemedicine remain. The aim of our study was to evaluate both the technical feasibility and patient satisfaction with video consultations in a tertiary centre for obstetric care. Material and Methods This prospective single-centre trial was part of the larger oVID (open Video Service) project on telemedicine at the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics at the University of Münster. Patients requiring prenatal or pre-pregnancy counselling were included. A questionnaire was designed for the evaluation of patient satisfaction and filled in by both patient and healthcare provider at the end of the video consultation. Results Of 80 eligible cases, 75 video-consultations were carried out and data from the questionnaire was collected. Overall patient satisfaction was high (95%, 71/75) although technical problems occurred in 37% (29/75) of the appointments. Healthcare providers' satisfaction was equally high and in 88% (66/75) of cases, remote consultations avoided an in-house visit without effect on healthcare quality. Discussion Remote consultations are feasible and yield high satisfaction rates even in a medical field as sensitive as perinatal medicine. In-house visits can be avoided in an important number of cases. Further research is necessary to determine the cost-effectiveness and effects on perinatal outcome. Healthcare systems should be offered clear guidance on medicolegal issues and funding of remote consultations in order to integrate telemedicine into routine healthcare.