Virtual-Based Prenatal Care Methods and Their Reported Outcomes-A Scoping Review.

Area of Science:

• Digital Health
• Maternal-Fetal Medicine
• Healthcare Technology

Background:

• Virtual technologies in prenatal care surged during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• The implications and categorization of virtual prenatal care require further discussion.
• This review addresses the growing use of telehealth in maternity services.

Purpose of the Study:

• To categorize virtual-based prenatal care methods.
• To identify and synthesize reported clinical and nonclinical outcomes of virtual prenatal care.
• To provide insights for optimizing digital health interventions in maternity care.

Main Methods:

• A scoping review of studies from January 2005 to December 2023.
• Searched multiple databases including Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus.
• Included quantitative and review studies focusing on virtual prenatal care and outcomes, following PRISMA-ScR guidelines.

Main Results:

• 35 articles were reviewed after screening 1324 studies.
• Virtual prenatal care was categorized into exclusively virtual methods and modified care models.
• Mobile health (mHealth) was the most prevalent method due to accessibility and cost-effectiveness.

Conclusions:

• Virtual prenatal care encompasses diverse methods, with mHealth being prominent.
• Key outcomes include maternal/neonatal health, patient/provider satisfaction, and changes in knowledge, attitude, and practice.
• Tailored virtual interventions can enhance maternal and fetal health outcomes.