Maternal and perinatal outcomes in mixed antenatal care modality implementing telemedicine in the southwestern region of Colombia

Abstract

Abstract Introduction: Contingency measures due to the COVID-19 pandemic limited access to routine prenatal care for pregnant women, increasing the risk of pregnancy complications due to poor prenatal follow-up, especially in those patients at high obstetric risk. This prompted the implementation and adaptation of telemedicine. Objective: We aim to evaluate the maternal and perinatal outcomes of patients who received prenatal care in-person and by telemedicine. Methods: We conducted a retrospective observational cohort study of pregnant women who received exclusive in-person and alternate (telemedicine and in-person) care from March to December 20202, determining each group's maternal and neonatal outcomes. Results: A total of 1078 patients were included, 156 in the mixed group and 922 in the in-person group. The patients in the mixed group had a higher number of prenatal controls (8 (6-9) vs 6 (4-8) p<0.001), with an earlier gestational age at onset (7.1 (6-8.5) vs 9.3 (6.6-20.3), p<0.001), however, they required a longer hospital stay (26 (16,67%) vs 86 (9,33%), p=0.002) compared to those attended in-person; there were no significant differences in the development of obstetric emergencies, maternal death or neonatal complications. Discussion: Incorporating telemedicine mixed with in-person care could be considered as an alternative for antenatal follow-up of pregnant women in low- and middle-income countries with barriers to timely and quality health care access.