A fetal telecardiology service: patient preference and socio-economic factors.
Prenat Diagn
; 32(9): 883-7, 2012 Sep.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-22718083
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE:
The aims of this study were to evaluate patients' opinions on a fetal cardiology telemedicine service compared with usual outpatient care, the effect of the telemedicine consultation on maternal anxiety and its impact on travel times and time absent from work.METHODS:
Prospective study over 20 months. Eligible patients attended for routine anomaly scan followed by fetal echocardiogram transmitted to the regional centre with live guidance by a fetal cardiologist, followed by parental counselling. All patients were offered a fetal cardiology appointment at the regional centre. Structured questionnaires assessing maternal satisfaction, travel times/days off and anxiety scores completed at time of both fetal echocardiograms.RESULTS:
Sixty-seven patients were recruited and 66 completed the study. Participants expressed very high satisfaction rates with fetal telecardiology, equivalent to face-to-face consultation. The telecardiology appointments were associated with significantly reduced travel times and days off work (p < 0.01). Expectant mothers expressed a clear inclination for a fetal cardiology appointment at the local hospital facilitated by telemedicine (p < 0.01).CONCLUSIONS:
Fetal telecardiology is highly acceptable to patients and is even preferred compared with travelling to a regional centre. There are additional socio-economic benefits that should encourage the development of remote fetal cardiology services.
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Perinatologia
/
Serviço Hospitalar de Cardiologia
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Telemedicina
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Preferência do Paciente
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Doenças Fetais
/
Cardiopatias
Tipo de estudo:
Clinical_trials
/
Diagnostic_studies
/
Etiology_studies
/
Health_economic_evaluation
/
Observational_studies
/
Qualitative_research
/
Risk_factors_studies
Limite:
Adolescent
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Adult
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Female
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Humans
/
Pregnancy
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Prenat Diagn
Ano de publicação:
2012
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
Reino Unido