Acceptability of virtual prenatal care: thinking beyond the pandemic

Sullivan, Mackenzie W; Kanbergs, Alexa N; Burdette, Emily R; Silberman, Jason; Dolisca, Sarah; Scarry, Jill; Soffer, Marti; Kaimal, Anjali; Bryant Mantha, Allison; Bernstein, Sarah N

OBJECTIVE: Obstetrical providers have had to rapidly rethink how to provide comprehensive prenatal care during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. At our institution, we implemented a risk-stratified approach to incorporating telemedicine into our prenatal care. The objective of this study was to determine acceptability of virtual prenatal care and preferences for future pregnancies among our patient population. STUDY DESIGN: We sought feedback from a convenience sample of patients regarding the acceptability of virtual prenatal care and desires for future pregnancies. RESULTS: We found that virtual prenatal care is acceptable to patients, and the majority would like to incorporate it into future post-pandemic pregnancy care, although preferences differ by race. CONCLUSION: Virtual prenatal care should continue to be employed in post-pandemic obstetric practice. Obstetrical providers must determine how to incorporate this practice in a risk-stratified and equitable fashion.