The Use of Telemedicine in Obstetrics: A Review of the Literature : Obstetrical & Gynecological Survey

Journal Logo

Advanced Search
CME Program: CME REVIEW ARTICLE 9

The Use of Telemedicine in Obstetrics: A Review of the Literature

Magann, Everett F. MD*; McKelvey, Samantha S. MD†; Hitt, Wilbur C. MD‡; Smith, Michael V. MD†; Azam, Ghazala A. MD†; Lowery, Curtis L. MD*

Author Information

*Professor, †Assistant Professor, ‡Associate Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Arkansas for the Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR

Chief Editor's Note: This article is part of a series of continuing education activities in this Journal through which a total of 36 AMA/PRA Category 1 Credits™ can be earned in 2011. Instructions for how CME credits can be earned appear on the last page of the Table of Contents.

All authors and staff in a position to control the content of this CME activity and their spouses/life partners (if any) have disclosed that they have no financial relationships with, or financial interests in, any commerical organizations pertaining to this educational activity.

Correspondence requests to: Everett F. Magann, MD, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, UAMS, 4301 W. Markham St. Slot 518, Little Rock, AR 72205. E-mail: [email protected].

Obstetrical & Gynecological Survey 66(3):p 170-178, March 2011. | DOI: 10.1097/OGX.0b013e3182219902

Abstract

Telemedicine has been advertised for increasing efficiency, extending the scope of obstetric practice, improving pregnancy outcomes, and reducing costs in the healthcare system. The extent of telemedicine use in obstetrics was identified with a literature search. A total of 268 articles were identified of which 60 are the basis for this review. Telemedicine has been used to read ultrasounds, interpret nonstress tests, counsel patients, manage diabetes, manage postpartum depression, and support parents and children postpartum from remote sites. Reductions in time lost from work, transportation costs, more efficiency for the health care providers, and reducing medical costs all have been suggested as benefits of telemedicine. Despite the information published about telemedicine in obstetrics, this technology has not been shown to have adverse effects in obstetrics but neither has it demonstrated unequivocal benefits. Properly structured and powered investigations will be needed to determine the role of telemedicine in the future.

Target Audience: 

Obstetricians & Gynecologists

Learning Objectives: 

After completing this CME activity, physicians should be better able to diagnose and treat diabetes using telemedicine techniques; assess the current scope of research in telemedicine in obstetrics; implement clinical telemedicine consultations based on the interaction and the needs of the participants; and the opportunities for further research in telemedicine in obstetrics.

© 2011 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Inc.

Full Text Access for Subscribers:

Not a Subscriber?

Buy
Request Permissions

You can read the full text of this article if you:

Access through Ovid