Virtual Prenatal and Postpartum Care Acceptability Among Maternity Care Providers

Introduction: The Covid-19 pandemic and statewide stay-at-home orders abruptly impacted clinic operations necessitating the incorporation of telehealth. Uptake of telehealth is multifaceted. Clinician acceptance is critical for success. The aim of this study is to understand maternity care providers' acceptance of and barriers to providing virtual maternity care.

Methods: Providers completed a baseline and 3-month follow up survey incorporating the validated implementation outcome measures, feasibility of intervention measure (FIM), intervention appropriateness measure (IAM), and acceptability of intervention measure (AIM).Statistical analyses evaluated differences between groups in this small convenience sample to understand trends in perceptions and barriers to telehealth. While not intended to be a qualitative study, a code tree was used to evaluate open-ended responses.

Results: Baseline response rate 50.4% (n = 56). Follow-up retention/response-rate 68% (n = 38). Most reported no prior telehealth experience. 94% agreed with the FIM, decreasing to 92% at follow-up. 80% (prenatal) and 84% (postpartum) agreed with the IAM. Agreement with the AIM increased to 83%.Differences in the FIM and AIM found by division (p < 0.01) and years in practice (p < 0.01). Identified barriers included patient lack of essential tools, inadequate clinic support, and patients prefer in person visits. Themes that emerged included barriers, needs, and areas of success.

Discussion: Telehealth was found to be feasible, appropriate, and acceptable across provider types and divisions. Improving patient/provider access to quality equipment is imperative. Future research must address how and when to incorporate telehealth.