Ensuring Equitable Implementation of Telemedicine in Perinatal Care

Obstet Gynecol. 2021 Mar 1;137(3):487-492. doi: 10.1097/AOG.0000000000004276.

Abstract

The use of telemedicine in U.S. perinatal care has drastically increased during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, and will likely continue given the national focus on high-value, patient-centered care. If implemented in an equitable manner, telemedicine has the potential to reduce disparities in care access and related outcomes that stem from systemic racism, implicit biases and other forms of discrimination within our health care system. In this commentary, we address implementation factors that should be considered to ensure that disparities are not widened as telemedicine becomes more integrated into care delivery.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19 / epidemiology
  • COVID-19 / prevention & control*
  • Delivery of Health Care / standards*
  • Female
  • Health Policy
  • Healthcare Disparities*
  • Humans
  • Patient Acceptance of Health Care
  • Perinatal Care / methods*
  • Pregnancy
  • Telemedicine / economics*
  • United States