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Trends in telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic: Findings from a maternity telehealthcare program (Preprint)


 BACKGROUND
 Maternity-related telehealth has gained traction in recent years, and its adoption during the COVID-19 pandemic may solidify its place in routine prenatal and postpartum care. However, contemporary telehealth needs of pregnant and postpartum women are understudied.
 
 
 OBJECTIVE
 This study described telehealth use during the COVID-19 pandemic, using data collected by Maven Clinic, a virtual clinic for women and families.
 
 
 METHODS
 Virtual appointment data was examined for a subset of pregnant and postpartum women (N = 960) who were enrolled in Maven Clinic’s pregnancy program between 2019 and 2020. Trends in telehealth use, between February and May 2020, were quantified as percent change in appointments, and normalized appointments, scheduled in successive months. Trends were also stratified by women’s stage of pregnancy when appointments were scheduled (first, second, or third trimester, or postpartum) and by parity (primiparous or multiparous when starting with Maven Clinic). Change in total appointments, and in doula, lactation consultant, mental health, and OB/GYN appointments were examined.
 
 
 RESULTS
 Virtual appointments spiked in the early months of the pandemic and remained elevated and stable through May 2020. Mental health needs were ubiquitous. Use of other services varied by stage of pregnancy. Telehealth use was particularly popular with primiparous women, although multiparous women also increased their use of many telehealth services.
 
 
 CONCLUSIONS
 The findings suggest acute and sustained desire for maternity-related telehealth services. As of May 2020, demand remained high for virtual appointments with OB/GYNs among women in their first trimester, and for doulas and lactation consultants among women nearer delivery. Trends in virtual mental health appointments suggest that demand for maternal mental healthcare may rise in the next year.
 
 
 CLINICALTRIAL
 N/A
